Getting the ducks ready for July 4

The devoted volunteers of the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA) carefully sorted through 3,000 numbered rubber ducks on June 15 in preparation for the annual “Quack-Up Cup Race,” an annual part of the Grand Tradition Fourth of July event that involves a race across their beautiful heart-shaped lake.

Race chairperson Jackie Edgerton led a team of volunteers, including her neighbors, dubbed the “Canonita Road Gang,” in reorganizing the ducks. Edgerton’s lawn was the site for the organizational effort.

Each year the ducks are launched onto a track constructed on the Grand Tradition lake where, with clever engineering (pipes and hoses shooting water), they are propelled across the water.

With every $5 donation, one yellow duck is issued with a number attached corresponding to a number assigned to the donor. Those whose speedy ducks win the race will be rewarded with fabulous prizes depending on how they place. Prizes include a $1,000 savings bond from Pacific Western Bank, a $500 Major Market shopping spree, a $250 Myrtle Creek Nursery shopping spree and a $250 Santa Margarita Growers shopping spree. Winners need not be present.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. that day and the event will conclude when the firework show ends.

If you purchase your ticket to the event in advance, the price is $25 for adults. At the door, tickets will be $30. Children under 12 are $10; age 5 and under are free.

Food voucher tickets worth $10 will be issued with each adult admission ticket and $5 of food vouchers for every child’s ($10) ticket.

Available food choices include a baked chicken dinner complete with beans, coleslaw, potato salad and roll (served 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., prepared by Major Market); hot dogs and hamburgers (prepared by Kiwanis); Sourdough Pizza (with a hot truck onsite); apple pie and chocolate chip cookies (by Rally for Children); cold soft drinks (Keep Fallbrook Clean and Green); cold water, beer and wine. Coffee will be served for free. Available snacks will include snow cones and cotton candy (Fallbrook Fire Safe Council) and popcorn (Fallbrook Clean and Green).

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs, hats, sunscreen and the like. Outside food and drink (except baby food), coolers, umbrellas and pets cannot be brought into the event.

Entertainment at the event will include music from the Nitro Express Band. Although commonly referred to as a country band, Nitro Express has great diversity that includes classic rock, blues, bluegrass, R&B, surf music, Motown and some reggae.

Purchase tickets online at http://www.fallbrookbeautification.org, by mail order or at tables set up in front of Albertsons and Major Market this weekend.

If you plan to enjoy the fireworks from your home, the FBA hopes you will remember this is a fundraiser for beautification and maintenance projects in and around Fallbrook. Any donations would be appreciated. Please send to: Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, PO Box 434, Fallbrook, CA 92088.

Remember, fireworks can frighten and/or make pets and animals restless. Authorities recommend that animal owners take safety precautions for the noise/illumination associated with the fireworks show and consult with their veterinarians if suggestions are needed.

Preferred parking is $5 on the Grand Tradition lot; free off-site parking will be available off Peppertree Lane.

Have a Safe

Fourth of July

Emergency personnel ask that residents observe the following:

• Do park in legal parking spaces

• Do not obstruct private roads

• Do not trespass on private property

• Do not double-park

North County Fire says, “There is no such thing as ‘safe and sane’ fireworks. All fireworks are dangerous and illegal in San Diego County – even ‘snappers,’ ‘poppers’ and ‘sparklers.’ Fireworks commonly start fires, cause substantial property damage and cause serious injuries. If anyone should come across fireworks, they may be brought to any fire station with no questions asked.”