There’s a deluge expected in downtown Henderson next month, but you won’t find details on any weather app or forecast – not even the farmer’s almanac. Flooding will be minimal and isolated to Garnett Street, officials say – just long enough for that last little rubber ducky to cross the finish line.
No need to gather your rain gear just yet – it’s just the 14th annual Ducky Derby!
This year’s event takes place Saturday, Sept. 16 in downtown Henderson, with the Henderson Fire Department supplying the water and Greystone Concrete Products pouring the ducks from one of its cement mixers.
The Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start hosts the annual fundraiser and Garry Daeke was on Tuesday’s TownTalk to share details and how to purchase tickets.
“We hope to have a good day and have fun – it’s always a blast,” Daeke said.
Ducks are $5 each, or you can purchase more than one and save a little cash – a Quack Pack is 5 ducks for $20 and a Flock gets you 25 ducks for $100. Tickets are available the day of the derby, too.
“I’m continually excited about how much fun people have” Daeke said. The fun includes children’s games, food trucks and music. This year, there’s a “blender bike” that kids can use to pedal their way to create their own smoothies.
And there are prizes for the top three finishers, as well as for that last little straggler to cross the finish line.
First prize is $1,000, second prize is Chick-fil-A for a year and third prize is a $250 gas card from Sheetz. The last duck wins $100.
Tickets are available from FGV staff or board members and by calling the FGV office at 252.433.9110. You can reach Daeke at the office or at 252.432.3145.
The event begins at 11 a.m. and continues through 2 p.m.
The race begins at Garnett and Breckenridge streets and the finish line is at Orange Street.
Sponsorships are available; contact Daeke to become a sponsor.
“We get new folks every year that want to be a part of what’s going on downtown,” he said.
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