And the winners are…
With prize money doubled there was a lot on the line in this year’s VFL Duck Race and three lucky ducks crossed the finish line first.
Michael Roberge of HEMC and his ‘adopted’ duck #1320 claimed the $1,000 top prize. Terri Allen of Clarkesville and her duck #1636 claimed the $500 second place prize. Charles Hollingsworth of Demorest and his rubber duck #206 rounded out the top three finishers, taking home $250 in race winnings.
Hollingsworth was all smiles when he heard his name called from the stage at Pitts Park on Saturday. Allen, who was not there for the race, shared her excitement on social media after getting the call that she’d won. “I am beyond blessed tonight,” she wrote.
This is the sixth year Volunteers for Literacy of Habersham County has sponsored the rubber duck race on the Soque River during Clarkesville’s Mountain Laurel Festival. This year, nearly 1800 ducks were dumped into the river at 5 bucks a pop. Between ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandise the event raised $12,000. The money will be used to support local literacy programs.
“We are so pleased with the support we received from the Habersham community this year – businesses, schools, libraries and the hundreds who adopted ducks and helped make this year’s VFL Rubber Duck Derby successful,” says VFL Coordinator Phylecia Wilson. She says the money will go “a long way in helping our Volunteers For Literacy board continue projects that increase literacy in our county for people of all ages.”
VFL is a nonprofit United Way agency that supports literacy programs for children, youth and adults in Habersham County. For more information on VFL and its programs visit vflhabersham.com.
6th Annual VFL Duck Race
May 20, 2017
Soque River @ Pitts Park in Clarkesville, GA
photos by Daniel Purcell
