June 7 Rubber Duck Race to benefit Dinosaur Museum

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum (GPDM) announces that 500+ rubber ducky's will hit the waters of the Malta Irrigation Canal at the 9th Street Bridge on Saturday, June 7th at precisely 3:00 PM – just following the wrap up of the First State Bank Car Show and start of the PC Motor Sports race weekend. The race will end at the Short Oil Road Bridge near Malta Ready Mix. The Duck Race is making its return to the Irrigation Canal after running in the creek near Marian Hills Golf Course the past couple years.

"That is the perfect spot for it," said Anne Boothe, one of the event's planners. "It is fun and exciting to watch them come down the canal."

The traditional "duck boards", offering numbered ducks for adoption for the fee of $5 are available at most taverns and other businesses in Malta, including Albertsons Grocery. The dinosaur twist to the race is in honor of the Hadrosaur or "Duckbill Dinosaur", Montana's state fossil and locally discovered dinosaurs such as Leonardo, Roberta, Peanut and Elvis. Total prize money awarded for the regular DinoDuck Race event is $600.

New this year is the "Big Duck Race" that will feature large 10 inch floating ducks selling for $50 each.

"Businesses can put their names on them, decorate them or do whatever they like," Booth said. "They will run with the smaller ducks and it will add a lot to the race."

This race is limited to the first 24 ducks sold and payout is 50%. GPDM committee organizers will be out selling those soon.

All proceeds benefit the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and help with operation expenses and marketing for 2014 summer dig programs and tours. The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is not a municipal entity and receives no tax dollar support. They are self-funded through membership fees, admissions, dig and tour revenue and fund raising. In addition to their annual membership drive, the Duckbill Dinosaur Race is the major fund raiser for the museum this year.

"We really appreciate people contributing and buying a duck because it helps support our efforts at the museum," said Boothe. "And a special thanks to all the businesses that are helping us sell the ducks."

Additional activities during the annual festival include:

Friday, June 6, 5-6p.m .: Members Only. Special viewing of new displays- "The Tiny, Mighty Microfossils" and "Earth's First Life: The Stromatolites" and the opening of the new outside "Dinosaur Park." Not a member? Join today!

Take in all of Saturday events at GPDM and throughout Malta – open to the public.

Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m .: Enjoy "Dinosaurs and Doughnuts" outside the museum while you wander the new "Dinosaur Park."

Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. -5 p.m .: Museum open. New displays "The Tiny Mighty Microfossils" and "Earth's First Life: The Stromatolites."

Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. -1p.m .: Kids activities including the "Junior Duckbill Dinosaur Race." Kids decorate their duck and race it outside the museum. Prizes. Free with adult admission. Official DinoDuck Race starting at 3:00 PM.

Returning museum staff Dixie Stordahl and Sue Frary extend hearty welcome and shout out that "we're open for the season and look forward to seeing everyone".

Contact us if you have questions – 406.654.5300 or visit our website at http://www.greatplainsdinosaurs.org

11th Annual Montana Dinosaur Festival at the

Great Plains Dinosaur Museum in Malta, MT.

Friday, June 6, 5-6pm: Members Only. Special viewing of new displays- "The Tiny, Mighty Microfossils" and "Earth's First Life: The Stromatolites" and the opening of the new outside "Dinosaur Park." Not a member? Join today!

Take in all of Saturday events at GPDM and throughout Malta – open to the public.

Saturday, June 7, 9am: Enjoy "Dinosaurs and Doughnuts" outside the museum while you wander the new "Dinosaur Park."

Saturday, June 7, 10-5pm: Museum open. New displays "The Tiny Mighty Microfossils" and "Earth's First Life: The Stromatolites."

Saturday, June 7, 11-1pm: Kids activities including the "Junior Duckbill Dinosaur Race." Kids decorate their duck and race it outside the museum. Prizes. Free with adult admission.

Saturday, June 7, 3-4pm:  "Duckbill Dinosaur Race." Make sure you buy your duck before the race! Ducks available at local businesses, taverns, and museums.

Contact us if you have questions – 406.654.5300 or visit our website at http://www.greatplainsdinosaurs.org