The Race Is ON! The 20th Annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby

By: Leigh Patterson

It’s the time of year that KALB likes to call “Duck Season!” The 20th Annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby is just about a month away. This year’s event will be taking place on October 3. Because it is the 20th anniversary of the Ducky Derby, the Grand Prize will be doubled to $2,000 this year! KALB would like to thank American Leakless Company for being our Grand Prize Diamond Duck Sponsor.

Earlier this year, we had to make the hard decision to cancel our annual Duck and Run 5K due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was scheduled for September, and it is one of our two largest fundraisers. As a non-profit organization, KALB relies heavily on our fundraisers to make ends meet, and having to cancel even one event makes a big difference in our already small budget.

The race is ON for the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby this year! 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 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 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3 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.

Special Drawing for Disney Tickets

This year there will be a special prize drawing for two sets of 4 Walt Disney World Park Hopper Passes*. Anyone purchasing 4 Quack Packs ($100 donation) will have their name entered into a drawing. There will be two winners and each winner will receive 4 Disney park hopper passes. *Passes expire on June 21, 2021.

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. Printable adoption forms are also located online and may be mailed in 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 be adopted in person until 1:00 p.m. on race day (October 3) at the KALB office. Online adoptions close at midnight on Friday, October 2.

On behalf of the KALB Commission and Staff, we are truly grateful for the support of the community that we continue to receive. We could not do the work that we do without our wonderful sponsors, supporters, and volunteers!


Current Prize List

  • $2,000 Cash – American Leakless Co. GRAND PRIZE
  • Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa – 1 Night Stay plus
    Dinner for 2 at 360 Grille ($315 value)
  • $250 Osborne’s Jewelers Gift Card
  • $250 Cash – American Leakless Company
  • $200 Cash—Brody Jackson State Farm
  • $200 Cash – Distinctive Landscaping, inc.
  • $200 Cash – Morell Engineering
  • Gift Basket – The SK Salon ($190 value)
  • $100 Cash – American Leakless Company
  • $100 Cash – American Leakless Company
  • $100 Cash – Brody Jackson State Farm
  • $100 Cash – Distinctive Landscaping, Inc.
  • $100 Cash – First National Bank
  • $100 Cash – Morell Engineering
  • $50 Cash – American Leakless Company
  • $50 Cash – Brody Jackson State Farm
  • $50 Cash – Distinctive Landscaping, Inc.
  • $50 Cash – Morell Engineering

MORE TO COME!

Lazy Duck Awards provided by Dub’s Burgers
By: Leigh Patterson
Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful