STEVE REYNOLDS / Special to the Eagle

The ducks are ready.

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Strange noises are coming from the Marco Island YMCA; I could have sworn I heard the sound of quaking ducks somewhere in the Customer Service area.

I started looking around to find the source of the commotion and discovered where the quaking noises were coming from: Miss Dottie’s office is right behind the Customer Service desk and low and behold there was the ducks!

Regular ducks, Corporate ducks and Celebrity ducks all patiently waiting to be bought so that they have an owner to race for at the 13 Annual Dottie’s Duck Derby scheduled for March 29 at 11 a.m.

The ducks are so cute as they sit on their shelves just quaking amongst themselves and talking in duck language, I suppose about how the race is fun and that the winning duck will earn its owner $500, second place $350 and third place $150.

The Celebrity ducks are especially happy because they get to go home with their owners after the race. There will be a special duck prize awarded to the winners of the Corporate and Celebrity duck races. Registration fees for the race are: $15 for a duck/ $25 for two ducks. Celebrity and Corporate ducks are $30 each or two for $50.

All proceeds go to the “Y” Aquatic program. Remember, it’s a charitable deduction. Buy your duck today at the Customer Service desk. The ducks know they are being purchased and this information helps them sit quietly on their shelves. Remember a quiet duck is a happy Steve and Miss Dottie so buy your duck today, please!

“2-4-6-8 who do we appreciate! Go team!” ... Ah, the sounds of the cheerleaders at sports events. Cheerleader coach Nicole Wood will be conducting a Cheerleading clinic at the “Y” for eight weeks starting March 13. This program is open to ages 4 to 18. The primary class for ages 4 to 12 is scheduled for Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Intermediate classes for ages 13 to 18 will meet on Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays will be a joint class from 11 to 12:30 p.m. The class will be held in the “Y” Gym. The cost is $60 for members and $80 for all others.

Spring Soccer sign up continues for boys and girls from pre-k to 5 grade. Assessments start April 5 with the games to begin April 19. Games will be played at Winterberry Park. Cost for members is $60, $80 for all others.

The “Shark of the Park” skate competition is scheduled for March 17 from 10 to 2:30 p.m. Come on out and cheer your favorite competitor on to victory! Special appearance by the “Shadow Skate” team, a group of professional skaters that will put on an exhibition during the competition.

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day and I want to invite you to Cathy O’Clarkes Irish Pub & Grill for a day of Irish food, fun and entertainment. Only $500 gets you in the door with 100 percent of that going to the YMCA.

The doors open at 10 a.m. with entertainment scheduled both indoors and on the outdoor stage area.

Last but not least, tickets are still available for Stan’ Roast to be held at the Marriott Resort & Spa on March 20 at 6 p.m. Tickets are only $150. There will be a cash bar and a tasty Southern style buffet. Have a great week!