COOLEEMEE – It might sound far–fetched, but your investment in a small, $5 rubber duck might win you $500.

That will only happen if you buy a ticket before the whistle blows at 1 p.m. to begin the Great Bullhole Duck Race on July 15.

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 finish wins $100. Tickets are $5 each or they can be purchased in a “Quack Pack” (6 for $25) or a “Flock” (12 for $50). You need not be present to win.

Tickets are available in Cooleemee at Village Auto, Hot Diggity Dog and Cooleemee Town Hall. In Mocksville they may be purchased at the Davie Chamber of Commerce, Davie County Recreation Department and Hot Diggity Diner and in Salisbury at the Gateway Building, 204 E. Innes St.

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, hotdogs, cotton candy, and cold drinks beginning at noon. Tickets will be on sale until 12:30.

RiverPark’s 80 acres are in Davie and Rowan  counties. Its main picnic shelter and the Great Bullhole Duck Race will take place on the Rowan side. Take NC 801 across the South Yadkin River bridge into Rowan County, turn right onto Needmore Road, then right onto Erwin Temple Church Road which dead-ends into the park.