By: Leigh Patterson
It’s the time of year that KALB likes to call “Duck Season!” The 21st Annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby is just a couple of weeks away. This year’s event will be taking place on October 2. Thanks to our generous Diamond Duck Sponsor, American Leakless Company, the Grand Prize will be $2,000 again this year!
So come on out and get your rubber ducks in a row and in the race because…the race is ON for the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby! Due to the event being held outdoors, there will be plenty of room to practice social distancing. Another perk is that you do not have to be present to win, even though it is a fun event to watch!
Our prize list for this year continues to grow. All prizes are generously provided by sponsors, so that every donation made to adopt ducks supports the work of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful.
The Derby
The event will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 2 at Big Spring Memorial Park (The Duck Pond) in Athens. Hundreds of specially-designed rubber ducks will be racing down the spillway and into the duck trap.
For a $5 donation to KALB, one numbered racing duck will be entered into the race in your name. Ducks will be divided and raced in 4 to 6 heats, depending on the total number of ducks adopted. The numbers of winners in each heat will be determined by the number of prizes at the time of the derby. Winners of each heat will then be entered into the Championship Race, where every duck is a winner! Prizes won will be determined by the order the ducks come through the duck trap. Winners will be announced as soon after the final race as possible.
Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack
For a $25 donation to KALB, you will receive a Papa Murphy’s Quack Pack. This includes 6 ducks (1 free) and a coupon for 25% off your entire order at Papa Murphy’s Pizza with no expiration date! You will also be guaranteed that you will have a duck in each heat, unless you request otherwise.
How to Adopt Ducks
Ducks can be adopted online at www.KALBCares.com. Click the EVENTS tab and Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby. Instructions are listed on the event page. Online adoptions close at midnight on Friday, October 1. Printable adoption forms are also located online and may be mailed to PO Box 1089, Athens, AL 35612. You may also drop by the KALB office at 125 East Street in Athens and adopt your ducks in person. Ducks may also be adopted in person at the KALB tent at the Old Time Fiddlers Convention at Athens State University from Thursday evening, September 30 through October 2. Adoptions can be made on Saturday, October 2 until 1:00 pm. Our tent will be located on the south side of the Founders Hall stage area.
On behalf of the KALB Commission and Staff, we are truly grateful for the support from the community that we continue to receive. We could not do the work that we do without our wonderful sponsors, supporters and volunteers!
By: Leigh Patterson
Executive Director – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful
November 1, 2024
