Annual Rubber Duck Derby gets grown up makeover ahead of 2017 event

For almost 20 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hall County have held a rubber duck derby each year to raise money for the nonprofit organization that helps children and teens, and while the ducks remain the same, this year the event will, essentially, grow up a little.

 

Instead of thousands of rubber duckies floating in Lake Lanier on a Saturday, the derby will take place in the evening of May 5th, complete with a Cinco de Mayo-themed event geared towards adults.

 

"In the past we've had a festival, we've had vendors come out and try to sell their products and things like that, but this year we wanted to try something a little different," said Events and Marketing Coordinator Chelsea Clark. "Instead of holding the duck derby on a Saturday, like we traditionally have, we're holding it on a Friday night, on Cinco de Mayo/May 5th.

 

"Early on, we're going to dump the ducks [into the lake] and let them race around 5:30 p.m. at Clark's Bridge Park . and then we'll go across the street to the Lake Lanier Olympic Park where the tower is. We're going to have a concert, food trucks, adult beverages, some adult games and things like that... and raffle off some smaller prizes there as well."

 

Clark said the Fly Betty band has already signed on to headline the event. They are still seeking vendors to fill the venue with food and adult beverages. Those interested should contact Clark by email or at 770-532-8102.

 

Sponsorships for the event are also available through Tuesday, February 15.

 

Last year, Clark said the nonprofit raised over $156,000 and the goal this year was to raise at least $158,000. Of course, Clark said they'd love to raise more.

 

If you're unfamiliar with the derby, rubber ducks are adopted for $5 each, then all of the adopted ducks are released into Lake Lanier and float towards a destination point. The winning duck is pulled from the water and whoever they were adopted by gets a prize.

 

Check out the event page on Facebook and online.