(Photo courtesy of Fulton Duck Derby 2015 Facebook page)
Over 1,000 ducks are dumped into the river at Canalview Park each year to raise funds for the Fulton Lions Club. Each duck has a corresponding ticket to award cash prizes to top finishers.
FULTON – While the Charby’s 25th Annual Duck Derby fundraiser shelled out some big cash to the winners, the event drew in quite a bit more to benefit the Lions Club of Fulton.
“We gave out $2,525 to the first place winner for our 25th year, and we also gave out cash prizes through 22nd place as well as last place. We raised just under $10,000 this year,” said event duckmaster and Lions Club member, Zach Merry.
The Lions Club will use the money raised to help with the costs of its sight and hearing causes.
The club helps provide eye glasses and hearing aids among many other things to lower income people in the community or people who are unable to provide these necessities themselves.
25 years ago, Donald Charbonneau, more commonly known as Charby, started the duck derby fundraiser. This year, the event has been re-named Charby’s Annual Duck Derby in memory of the original creator after his passing earlier this year.
The annual event recently took place at Canalview Park, right behind Tavern on the Lock.
Over 1,000 ducks are dumped into the river at Canalview Park each year to raise funds for the Fulton Lions Club. Each duck has a corresponding ticket to award cash prizes to top finishers.
Throughout the summer months, participants were able to purchase tickets for the event which would correspond with a rubber duck.
All of the ducks are then dumped into the river where they race to the finish.
Whichever ducks are drawn from the water first, win for their corresponding ticket holder.
First place this year was awarded to Mary West, winning the grand total of $2,525.
The fun didn’t stop at the water though. The event provided food, music, face painting, and raffles.
“Fulton Medicine Place is our lead sponsorship. Community Bank also sponsors and we were able to have the Fabulous Rip Cords perform. The Lions Club provided food,” said Merry.
Even though it was a rainy day on September 13, it did not deter the fun.
“The weather was not the best, so the turnout was really good considering. We had way more than expected due to the weather, but it held off and people came regardless of the clouds and the chances of a little rain,” Merry said.
For more information on the Fulton Lions Club and any upcoming events, visit their website or check out their Facebook page.
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