Cooleemee — It might sound far-fetched, but your investment in a small rubber duck might win you $500. That will only happen if you buy a ticket before the whistle blows, signaling the beginning of the great Bullhole Duck Race.

The duck race begins at 1 p.m. on July 16, and this year, RiverPark has raised the stakes. It hopes to attract a bigger betting pool on the thousands of little, yellow rubber ducks that will be lowered into the South Yadkin River that help raise funds necessary to keep this beautiful spot open, clean and secure.

First prize for this year’s race is $500, second prize will be $250 and a third place finish wins $100. Tickets are now available in Cooleemee at Village Auto, the Zachary House and Cooleemee Town Hall. In Mocksville, they may be purchased at the Davie Chamber of Commerce at 135 S. Salisbury St, and in Salisbury at the Gateway Building–204 E. Innes St. Tickets are $5 each or they can be purchased in a “Quack Pack” (6 for $25) or a “Flock” (15 for $50). You do not need to be present to win.

The race will begin at 1 p.m., but come early and hang out on the sandy beach or walk the wooded trails. There will be music, hot dogs, cotton candy and cold drinks beginning at noon. Tickets will be on sale until 12:30 p.m.

RiverPark’s 80 acres are located in both Davie and Rowan counties. Its main picnic shelter and the Great Bullhole Duck Race will take place on the Rowan side. To reach RiverPark, turn off N.C. Hwy. 801; turn onto Needmore Road, then on to Erwin Temple Church Road which dead-ends into the park. For more information, call 336-284-6040.