Whaling Days is finally here! The festival is full of fun, food and entertainment for everyone. The 36th annual event includes everything from carnival rides and arts and crafts vendors to the Dandy Lions Grand Parade and a canoe race. But the fun only continues through tomorrow, so if you haven’t made your way down to Whaling Days yet, you are surely missing out.

The Great Kitsap Duck Race also is upon us with the launch of about 25,000 ducks at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Silverdale Waterfront boat launch. Don’t worry if you haven’t purchased your lucky ducks, there’s still time — but not much. Silverdale Rotarians are manning booths today at Albertsons and Safeway in Silverdale until 6 p.m. You also have until noon tomorrow to buy your ducks at Whaling Days. Duck tickets are $5 each or you can buy a “Quack Pack” of five for $20. It’s a great way to get in on one of Whaling Days’ most popular activities. Still not convinced? Here are our top five reasons to get in on the duck action:

5. It’s a local tradition. Silverdale Rotary’s Great Kitsap Duck Race is now in its 15th year. Getting in on the fun has become unwritten law.

4. Someone is guaranteed to win the grand prize of either a 2008 Nissan truck, courtesy of Advantage Nissan, or $16,000 cash. Other great prizes up for grabs include a cruise on Holland America Line, a diamond pendent from Ben Bridge Jeweler, cash and more.

3. It’s fun to watch the race. Nothing beats watching 25,000 sunglass-wearing rubber duckies splash into Dyes Inlet on a Sunday afternoon.

2. You’re giving back to your community. Proceeds support local organizations like Hospice of Kitsap County, the Kitsap Humane Society, the Central Kitsap Food Bank, the Kitsap Regional Library and more.

1. You could win $1 million. A minimum of $5 puts you in the race to win some serious cash.

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