HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND "... Based on the many thousands of holiday revelers who enjoyed the Kiwanis Danville Fourth of July Parade, it appears that many families are opting for the new "stay-cation" this year.

When I've been out and around Danville, I've heard people talking about their "stay at home" plans for the summer. Many of us are frustrated with the high fuel costs, but we're all quite fortunate to have the Bay Area for a vacation spot.

Here's an option if you can squeak out a few extra gallons for a trip into San Francisco. I received a tip that perhaps you and the kids might want to try — or possibly when relatives visit.

Rather than cruising your favorite San Francisco tourist stops in the family vehicle, check out the 80-minute Bay Quackers Duck Tour. You will board a U.S. Coast Guard inspected DUKW, a refurbished World War II Amphibious landing craft.

Making your way through the neighborhoods of San Francisco, including North Beach, Chinatown, South of Market, and Telegraph Hill, this unique surf and turf tour, narrated by your very own experienced con"duck"tor will then dive into the Bay for a spin on the water taking you through McCovey Cove and elsewhere.

You can book online at www.bayquackers.com or call 415-431-3825. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 seniors, $25 for kids. The ticket office is located at the Anchorage Mall,

Advertisement
Fisherman's Wharf, 2800 Leavenworth Street.

After the trip, send me a review so that I can share with other Danville residents. Be sure to take along your jackets. It can get brisk out on the water.

IN KEEPING WITH THE DUCK THEME, let me remind you the Rubber Ducky Derby fundraiser for Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland is will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 13. It takes place at Danville's Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Road.

Presenting sponsors are CRESCO Equipment Rentals and the Rowan Branch of Children's Hospital Branches. This is the 17th year the rubber ducks have floated to the finish line cheered on by dedicated and supportive Bay Area volunteers and residents.

You can still adopt a duck by going online to www.rubberduckyderby.org. Kristina Smith, Alamo resident and one of three co-chairwomen for the event, said they are anticipating about 13,000 ducks will be adopted this year."

Alamo resident, Janice Alamillo and Danville's Belinda George are the other two chairwomen. They are supported by many dedicated volunteers that make up the local Rowan Branch of Danville, Alamo and Walnut Creek.

"This event helps to bring awareness and much needed funds to Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland (that treats) thousands of children each year, regardless of the family's ability to pay," Smith said. "We are very fortunate to have this resource in our area. They provide world class care."

In 2007, the Rubber Ducky Derby raised $100,000.

For more information, visit www.duckrace.com/oakland.

Reach Kathy Hodson c/o the Times, P.O. Box 607, Pleasanton, 94566 or e-mail AroundDanville@hotmail.com.