Reedy River Duck Derby upping its game to 12,000 ducks
February 20, 2020
After surpassing 10,000 ducks adopted the past two years, the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville is raising its goal to 12,000 in 2020.
That means more opportunities for Upstate residents to get involved in the 16th annual Reedy River Duck Derby on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is one of the region’s major family friendly festivals every year.
While the releasing of the ducks over the 50-foot- high Reedy River falls in downtown Greenville is a major part of the festival; it also features live music from local artists including The Sound Committee, face painters, balloon twisters, stilt walkers and more.
“The Duck Derby serves as the unofficial kick-off to summer for the Upstate,” said Ann Golden, the Sponsorship Chair of the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville, which is the group that organizes the annual event.
Each year, those wanting to participate in the race sponsor the yellow rubber ducks in hopes that their duck makes it over the falls and through the chute first. First place winner receives Groceries for a Year from Publix, second place finisher gets $2500 and third place wins a Golf Weekend at the Embassy Suites on Verdae. People do not get to keep the ducks after the race as they are all collected, cleaned and sent on to another race in another community
Proceeds raised from last year’s Duck Derby were donated to over 14 charities including the Mauldin Miracle League, Early Act First Knight, Girls on the Run, SWITCH (working to stop human trafficking) and United Ministries.
A single duck adoption is $10, a five-duck “Quack Pack” is available for $30 until April 15. Ducks can be adopted online at www.duckrace.com/greenville. Local charities earn a percentage of each duck adopted under their name. To support a charity team select the Team Tab at the top of the page.
The past two years saw a record number of ducks adopted, which prompted the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville to look to increase the number of ducks.
“The Duck Derby is really about giving back. More ducks on the river mean more funding to local charities,” said Club President, Wendy Green.
About the Duck Derby
The Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville, a service organization of local business men and women, holds the Reedy River Duck Derby annually as its primary fundraiser. This is the 15th consecutive year that the group has organized this charitable fundraiser. For more information visit www.duckrace.com/greenville.
