Quacky weekend in store

It’s "beak-to-beak action" next Sunday as 10,000 yellow, plastic ducks sporting sunglasses and attitudes swim the fourth annual Great Conejo Duck Race for Many Mansions at the Westlake Landing, with race ground opening at 11 a.m.

This year, the person who "adopted" the winning duck will drive away in a new car, as the grand prize is a two-year lease on a brand-spanking new Volkswagen Beetle, with the lease sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.

This year, beside raising money for Many Mansions, an area nonprofit that tries to provide affordable housing, the race is putting cash into the coffers of three high school bands. Musicians from Westlake, Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks high school bands have been canvassing the area for almost a month selling duck adoption papers for $ apiece or a "Six Quack for $25. Duck are still available, so keep an eye out for band members, buy a duck or six, and support the schools as well as Many Mansions.

In addition to the race, the day offers a full-fare of family fun with a great lineup of entertainment. The lineup includes Rachelle Dobin, who at age 12 is a powerful and amazing local vocalist; 19-year-old Michelle Armstrong, a multi-talented singer, songwriter and guitarist; Tiara Wentworth, a 15-year-old singer-songwriter from Newbury Park and professional singer/guitarist, Mike Early. The Westlake High School Band "Dixie Dudes" will also entertain.

There will be plenty to eat. Domino’s Pizza and The Landing Bar and Grill, Dockside Terrace and Boccaccio’s Restaurant will offer a special selection of brunch items just for Duck Race customers. Reservations are required for Boccaccio’s lakeside dining by calling (818) 889-8300. It offers exceptional dining and a front row seat to all the action.

Currently, The Oaks Mall is the "Official Duck Adoption Headquarters" so pick up duck adoption papers there, as well as the as at dealer locations in the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall through Sat., June 8. You can also adopt ducks online at www.conejoduckrace.com.

Many Mansions currently owns and operates seven apartment complexes that serve more than 1,100 local residents including 350 children. In addition to affordable housing, Many Mansions provides life-enriching services for residents to help them help themselves. It’s only through generous donations from companies, service organizations and individuals that Many Mansions can offer its services to those in need, including children, seniors, the disabled and the working poor.

The high school bands are working to purchase new instruments and also support their many programs. For more information, call Debbie Sporich, Many Mansions community relations manager, at (805) 496-4948, ext. 36.

The Great Conejo Duck Race prizes include: A two-year lease on a Volkswagen New Beetle; two "Party Pack a Month for a Year" prizes from Baja Fresh; $1,000 Shopping Spree at The Oaks Mall; $1,000 in Paul Mitchell Hair Care Products; two eight-person VIP passes to The Magic Castle; a one-tear membership to Body Focus Health Club; tickets to Disneyland; Six Flags tickets; a golf package from Los Robles Greens Golf Course; tickets to Gordon Lightfoot and the Doobie Brothers at The Canyon Club; a gift basket from the Andy Fox Foundation; and more.