The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Discover Milan Day to be celebrated Saturday
Rubber Ducky race and parade among the highlights
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 1, 2008
Police were on the scene Saturday afternoon as a flock of oddly bright yellow ducks were spotted in Wilson Park.
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Milan Police Chief Jeff Lewis had to dress in the department's new waders to trudge through the murky, mucky shoreline of the Saline River to track the fowl.
"It was a valiant search," said Roberta Myyra, who was there. "The river is so wide this time of year and the prevailing winds were uncooperative. They had a tough time catching the ducks."
No need to call in the Department of Natural Resources, though.
Lewis was actually preparing for Discover Milan Day, scheduled for Saturday, chasing one of a few dozen little rubber duckies launched by his wife, Julie Lewis, and Myyra in a test run for one of the new events during the all-day hometown celebration.
The Rubber Ducky Race will begin at 2 p.m. from the Wabash Street bridge, where contestants can buy a duck for $5 and watch it float toward the finish line near the second footbridge in Wilson Park. Racing ducks can be purchased at the Lighthouse CafÈ, Milan Police Department, Milan High School or just before the race.
Myyra said proceeds from the new event will go to the athletics complex capital campaign and volunteer police reserve training.
The Rubber Ducky Race is only one of a vast variety of family events planned for Discover Milan Day.
The festivities are off to an early start with a 5K run/walk at 7:50 a.m. from the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center. Last year, 65 people of all ages participated and again the route will meander through Milan's downtown neighborhoods. The entry fee of $20 may be paid that morning. Proceeds benefit the Milan schools' athletic complex capital campaign.
The Milan Rotary Club will flip hotcakes at a breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. under the pavilion at Wilson Park.
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., antique tractors, new vehicles from Randy Wise Chevrolet, Schultz Motors and J&R Tractor, as well as cars owned by members of the Back Street CruiZers, will be on display.
Downtown, there will be sidewalk sales and about 30 vendor booths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Milan Public Library will hold a book sale and volunteers will wash cars from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Milan Fire Department.
The Youth League baseball parade starts at 10 a.m. in downtown Milan. Ball players will hold a flower sale fundraiser, as well.
A new indoor spring craft show at the Milan Senior and Community Activity Center will feature the handmade goods of 40 crafters. Volunteer Kathy Liedel is organizing much of Discover Milan Day for the city and is also heading up the show. She says there will be hand-crafted jewelry, crocheted items, candles and much more.
A full program of live entertainment is scheduled on Tolan Street. Ted Montei opens the show at 9 a.m. with an open microphone, Milan School of Dance performs at 11 a.m., Laura Russeau and her band plays at 11:30 a.m., Milan Tae Kwon Do entertains at 12:30 p.m. and Dance Xplosion lights up the stage at 1:30 p.m.
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