Ames Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the inaugural Scholarship Duck Derby to benefit the scholarship program offered by the department.

The first ever Scholarship Duck Derby will be Monday, Sept. 4, at Furman Aquatic Center, 1635 13th St. This is closing day for Furman, and the swimming season will end at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the derby beginning at 6 p.m. The plastic ducks will be released into the Lazy River at 6:30 p.m.

Participants may purchase one duck for $5, six ducks for $25, 13 ducks for $50, or 25 ducks for $100. Ducks may be purchased in person at the Community Center or Furman Aquatic Center, or online at www.amesparkrec.org. The deadline for purchasing ducks is Wednesday, Aug. 30. A maximum number of 2,000 ducks will be sold.

Once the deadline for duck purchase has passed, all ducks will be randomly assigned a number and information will be provided to those who have completed their “adoption form” and paid for ducks. Participants do not need to be present to win.

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department offers scholarships to assist youth with program registration fees. Currently, up to 50 percent of the program registration fee is forgiven through the scholarship, up to $60 per calendar year. Scholarships are also available to families to purchase seasonal swimming passes, with 50 percent of the season pass fee being forgiven through the scholarship.

All net proceeds from these events will go directly to the scholarship fund.

For more information or to support the events through sponsorship or prize contribution, visit www.amesparkrec.org.