Truckee Duckee Derbee at River Ranch Lodge

?Quack, quack,? they're back! After a one-year hiatus, the Truckee Duckee Derbee returns to the River Ranch Lodge June 24. Billed as the ?most unpredictable two minutes in Tahoe,? this year's event will mark the official summer opening of River Ranch's popular outdoor patio which attracts bikers, hikers and rafters to its spectacular setting on the banks of the Truckee River.

The rubber duck races, which were cancelled last year because of high water conditions, benefit the Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe. The afternoon?s festivities also include live music provided by the After Eights on the outdoor patio, a BBQ, drink specials, a fabulous raffle, the hilarious ?Dogz in Dudz? K-9 costume contest, and in true derby tradition, the ?Cool Catz in Hatz? contest open to all ?human? attendees.

Once again a local canine will be honored as the TDD's ?Pet of Honor.? This year's recipient is Leana who was found abandoned on Donner Summit emaciated and with a bullet fragment in her head. Through the efforts of the HSTT, Leana was rescued, rehabilitated and adopted. She now serves as a therapy dog.

The pre-race party and registration starts at 1 p.m.; Dogz in Dudz and Cool Catz in Hatz at 2 p.m. Cost to sponsor a duck is $10 and the top three ducks win cash. Payout depends on the size of the pot. There is no cost to enter the K-9 costume or hat contest. All Dogz in Dudz participants receive a complimentary doggie goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded to the most stylish and creative canines and people sporting festive derby hats as determined by a panel of celebrity judges.

Kristen Ferrall of Lake Tahoe Television and Bill Jensen, publisher of the Squaw Valley Times, will serve as emcees. Among the celebrity judges expected to attend are Olympian and World Cup champion Tamara McKinney, now a real estate broker with Sierra Sotheby's in Squaw Valley; Olympian Marco Sullivan who retired from the U.S. Ski Team with the most downhill starts in the team's history; KTKE Tahoe Truckee Radio's Keith ?Mr. Truckee? Thomas; River Ranch Lodge manager Chanda Keefe; Sierra Sun sports and outdoors reporter Justin Scacco and Squaw Valley Times columnist and standup comedian Mike Akay.

A Tahoe cruiser mountain bike is the grand raffle prize. Winner of the grand prize need not be present. A ?not-so- silent auction,? which includes a signed baseball by San Francisco Giants Brandon Crawford, a Squaw Alpine getaway package and other items, will also be held.

Ducks may be purchased online prior to the event and Derbee winners need not be present to collect cash prizes.  To buy a duck or for more information go to hstt.org or call (530) 581-0181.

The TDD is supported by the River Ranch Lodge, Kiwanis of North Lake Tahoe, Plumas Bank, Squaw Valley Times,  East River PR, Tito's Vodka, Kona Brewing, PrintArt, Tahoe Truckee School of Music and the Shane McConkey Foundation in memory of Timy ?Rubber Ducky? Dutton.