Those big-hearted Oak Lawn firefighters are hosting their second annual rubber ducky race immediately following the Fourth of July Parade on--you guessed it--July 4.

See Patch's guide to Oak Lawn July 4th events.

Follow Oak Lawn’s bravest—the last float in the parade—down 95^th Street to Lake Shore Park (approximately 96^th Street and West Shore Drive). The firefighters’ float will be decorated in a patriotic duck theme so you’re sure not to miss it.

Hundreds of rubber duckies will compete in an exciting race down Oak Lawn Lake in a battle to cross the finish line. The first ten duckies to cross the finish line will win fabulous prizes such as an iPad II, iPod, Kindle, a party for 20 at the Children’s Museum, a ride to school on a fire truck—and much more.

Enter Patch's red, white and blue photo contest for a free $50 gas card.

The race is OLFD Local 3405’s premiere fundraising event. Proceeds from duck sales will go toward the Children Museum in Oak Lawn’s “We the People Exhibit” and the Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund.

Adopt a rubber ducky by purchasing a ticket for $10. Friendly volunteers will be selling tickets along the parade route prior to the start of the race.

Specialty ducks can also be purchased online through the Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn. Should one of the specialty ducks be among the top 15 to cross the finish line, the lucky donor will win an additional $500.

Samples of the specialty ducks include a doctor ducky sponsored by Little Company of Mary Hospital and a reporter ducky, sponsored by Oak Lawn Patch. If your business or organization would like to sponsor a special duck, contact Bob Lanz by phone 708-269-7144 or  by email.

• What: Oak Lawn Firefighters’ Second Annual Rubber Ducky Race. Enjoy free sno-cones and have lots of fun while raising money for charity.
• When: Immediately following the Oak Lawn Fourth of July Parade (approx. 11 a.m.)
• Where: Lake Shore Park (95^th Street and West Shore Drive)
• Cost: $10 per ducky; specialty ducks also available for sponsorship by businesses and organizations. Visit the Children’s Museum for more information.
• Where to buy ducks: At any of Oak Lawn’s firehouses including Fire Station #1, 4401 West 103rd Street; Fire Station #2, 6451 West 93rd Place; and Fire Station #3, 9446 S. Raymond. You can also buy ducks at the Children’s Museum, 5100 Museum Drive (behind the Metra station).