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Ducks hit water for United Way

By DAWN HANKINS - dhankins@t-g.com
Posted 8/7/21

There’s a slim chance that sculptor Peter Ganine knew in the 1940s knew how the rubber yellow duck he patented and reproduced as a floating toy would be used to help non profits. Bedford County United Way is using the rubber ducks as part of its fourth annual “Ducks on the Duck” rubber duck race at Fisherman’s Park on Aug. 21...

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Ducks hit water for United Way

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There’s a slim chance that sculptor Peter Ganine knew in the 1940s knew how the rubber yellow duck he patented and reproduced as a floating toy would be used to help non profits. Bedford County United Way is using the rubber ducks as part of its fourth annual “Ducks on the Duck” rubber duck race at Fisherman’s Park on Aug. 21.

Between 2,000 and 2,500 rubber ducks will be released below the dam at Fisherman’s Park, according to UWBC Director Mark McGee. He said the event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the lot behind the new Bedford County office building.

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit at least 15 nonprofits within this county. “This is always a fun event,”McGee said. “Seeing more than 2,000 ducks bobbing to the finish line on the other side of the bridge is an impressive sight.”

Ducks will “swim” down river at 1:30 p.m. McGee said ticket holders do not have to be present to win.

“Last year we held the event in September but due to heavy rain in the days before the event and the speed of the Duck River, we drew for winners,” McGee said. “We have returned to an August date in hopes that both the weather and the speed of the river will be more favorable.”

The grand prize winner will receive $1,000. The second prize is $500 with $300 for third, $200 for fourth and $100 to the fifth-place duck owner.

The race will be video taped, including the finish and the final inspection of the trap for the top 10 ducks.

Ducks can be purchased at the main office of First Community Bank or from members of the United Way of Bedford County Board members. Tickets are also available online at www.unitedwaybedford.org.or by visiting the United Way office on Delray in the First Community Bank building.