The great Pelican Race

Key Club hosted their first event of the year on Aug. 31. Students from Key Club partnerships with Edmond Kiwanis to help out communities and peers in their school.

Kiwanis of Edmond has held many events to help out and support communities around Edmond. They have a drive to make the world a better place and make kids have a good foundation of support around our community and across the globe.       

To enter the annual Pelican Race held at the Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, participants purchased a ticket for $5.00 at the entrance. All profits that they earned went to the Children of Edmond charity.  

Buying a ticket also places the participant into a raffle for a chance to win a season pass to Pelican Bay Aquatic Center. 

Staff members greeted guests and handed out free soda and water. At that point, they were given a number that a rubber pelican would have.

“The Pelican race is a fundraising event for charity that races rubber pelicans in a water race and the first one to get to the end wins $500,” Key club member Hailey DeGraffenreid said. 

Before the race began, staff members guided participants to the starting line. Key Club members and volunteers made their way up to the slide, following behind making sure the pelicans did not get off course. There were people outside of the water with leaf blowers helping guide them to the finish line. 

Eventually, volunteers gathered the winning pelicans and wrote down the numbers. Everyone was directed back to the entrance to see who won the $500 and/or the season pass. Everyone who watched the race went to take the signature photo that was taken every year after the Pelican race. 

“Pelican Bay is one of my favorite volunteering events.” Key Club member Hannah Carden said. “The people that are in charge are amazing and everything goes to a good cause.”