(KAIR)--An annual Atchison tradition reaches the 9-year-mark, as the Salvation Army Great Duck Race is set to return to the Missouri River this coming Saturday.

Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator Kim Bottoroff says the little plastic floating ducks are available for purchase in the Atchison community, at the Salvation Army, at banks, and at the riverfront Saturday, prior to the race.

According to Bottoroff, the annual duck race has become a major fundraiser for Atchison's Salvation Army, providing the funds necessary for the various programs of assistance the agency offers locally. The duck race, along with the annual Christmas season Red Kettle Drive, is key to keeping the Salvation Army's services in place.

The 9th annual duck race is planned from 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturday, at the Atchison Riverfront, in the area of Independence Park, with a 1:00 duck launch on the river. Billed as "fun for the entire family," the days activities will also include a kids corner, a car show, prizes, live music, and vendors.

Then, after the Duck Race concludes, another annual tradition begins, as Porchfest returns to Atchison for 2025.

Now in its 4th year, Porchfest, a free, family-friendly event, features live music from local musicians playing on Atchison porches, and will run from 2 until 6:00.

Live Well Atchison County's Jeff Schuele, and Project Atchison's Sean Curry, joined the 93.7 FM Morning Petting Zoo for "Co-Host Monday, saying a wide range of music, food, and children's entertainment are all part of Porchfest Saturday.

Payment to the musicians is the same as the cost to enter Porchfest: zero, with Schuele saying showing voluntary support for their performances through tips is all that's asked.