The 4th Annual DecADuck Contest is in full swing, with more than 25 entries vying for Best All-Around Duck, Most Creative Duck, Best Children’s Book/Fairy Tale Themed Duck, and People’s Choice.
The creatively decorated big yellow rubber ducks are on display at the Cornelia and Clarkesville Libraries until May 14, where they can be viewed prior to voting for People’s Choice. Photos of the ducks are on the Volunteers For Literacy Facebook page, where a “like” is a vote for People’s Choice.
The contest is open to all sponsors and in-kind supporters of the 10th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race. VFL provides a duck to each participating sponsor, each of whom has let their imagination run wild. The theme for this year is Children’s Books/Fairy Tales, although sponsors can also decorate their ducks to market their business. Awards will be given at the Mountain Laurel Festival.
Voting for People’s Choice on the VFL Facebook page will end at 9 p.m. on May 14. There also will be an opportunity to vote at the VFL Duck Race/DecADuck booth at the Mountain Laurel Festival until 1 p.m., when judging will be held.
“We are always amazed at the creativity put into these ducks,” said Phylecia Wilson, VFL executive director. “We have Little Miss Muffet, Dr. Seuss, Dorothy from Wizard of Oz, Chicken Little, Rosie the Riveter, Clifford, and some very cleverly done ducks that market businesses.
“We hope folks will drop by the libraries, check out a book (we’re all about reading!), the DecADucks, and purchase their duck race tickets while there.”
Duck race returns for its 10th year
For the past four years, DecADuck has been part of the VFL rubber duck race, traditionally held at the Mountain Laurel Festival in Clarkesville each year. Last year’s race was canceled due to COVID, and a drawing was held to determine the winner.
This year, the race is back!
The 10th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race will be held at Pitts Park on May 15 at 3:45 p.m., when more than 2,000 rubber ducks will be dropped into the Soque River and swim one-quarter mile to the finish line. The first duck to cross wins $1,000 for its ticket holder. The second duck to cross wins $500, and the third wins $250.
“Our volunteers are happy to be able to work together safely during this annual community event,” says 2021 Duck Race Chair Johnny Bailey. He says the ducks are ready to swim, and there’s still time to purchase tickets for your chance to win.
Tickets are on sale for $5 (or 5 for $20) at www.vflhabersham.com, on the VFL Facebook page, or from any VFL board member. Tickets also may be purchased at Clarkesville and Cornelia Libraries and in Clarkesville at Elizabeth & Company Resale Treasures, A to Zinc Health Store and Smoothie Bar, the Soque River Watershed Association office, and at Of These Mountains.
As in years past, VFL board members and volunteers will be selling tickets from their booth next to the Clarkesville gazebo at the Mountain Laurel Festival until 3 p.m. on May 15.
All proceeds benefit programs that promote and foster literacy in Habersham County.
