The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier’s 25th annual Rubber Duck Derby will be returning to Lake Lanier Olympic Park on May 6.
The annual fundraiser allows members of the community to support the local Boys and Girls Clubs by paying to “adopt” a rubber duck. The "adoption" pairs the community member's name with a number that coincides with one of the rubber ducks that will be released into Lake Lanier to race down a 1/10-mile course. The first duck to cross the finish line will win its supporter a grand prize of $10,000. The “adoptive” parents of the next 10 ducks to cross after the grand prize winner will also receive prizes.
Sean Couch, President of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Lanier recently spoke on WDUN's Mornings on Main Street and said the event is fun for the whole family.
“We'll have food trucks, we'll have live music, we'll have games, bounce houses, and of course, the main event, which is the release of the ducks in a race,” Couch said.
The proceeds from the quarter–century tradition helps the organization continue to support local youth enrolled in the club. Currently, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier serves over 7,500 kids each year.
Couch explained that this year, adopting a duck will go toward funding a variety of projects.
“We're already committed to preparing to build a new gym at the Joseph F. Walters Club in Gainesville Off of Memorial Park Drive,” Couch said. “ And that would allow that that club to serve an additional 350 youth every year.”
Additionally, the organization hopes to expand the original Positive Place Club in Hall County.
The community can enjoy free entry into the event starting at 11 a.m. The rubber ducks will officially begin racing at 2:30 p.m. Eventgoers can also enjoy a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities until 3 p.m.
Those interested in adopting a duck can do so by visiting the Rubber Duck Derby’s website. Supporters can adopt one duck for $6, or, to increase their odds of winning, they can purchase a pack of six for $30 or a pack of 25 ducks for $125. Supporters do not get to keep the numbered ducks that race, however, souvenir ducks will be available to purchase at the event.
