Published: June 03, 2008 09:28 am      

Ken-Ducky Derby Saturday

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

For the 11th year in a row, more than 2,000 rubber duckies will make their way through the Barbourville Water Park’s lazy river Saturday for the annual Ken-Ducky Derby and this year, the KCEOC benefit will include even more prizes and a free day at the water park for all attendees.

The duck race is the biggest annual fundraiser for KCEOC (Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council), which uses money raised to fund projects such as Headstart pre-kindergarten, a women and children’s shelter, affordable housing and other Knox County programs.

Numbered ducks can be purchased for $5 a piece, and the duck that crosses the finish line first will win for its owner a $5,000 prize package that includes $3,000 cash and $2,000 in merchandise.

Though only four prizes were given away last year, Saturday’s derby will reward 11 racers.

Second prize is $2,000 cash and $1,000 in merchandise. Third place is a $1,000 prize package to Wold Creek Lodge in Mason, Ohio, and fourth through 10th place finishers will win a $100 cash prize. The very last duck to cross the finish line also wins a $100 prize for its owner.

Brendia Moses, public resource coordinator for KCEOC, has organized the Ken-Ducky Derby since its inception, and said the concept was “borrowed” from another agency that held a similar race in Texas.

KCEOC has 3,000 available ducks for sponsorship, and sold 2,100 of them in 2007.

Moses hopes to top that number this year after adding more prizes and renting out the entire waterpark to offer the water rides for free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., children 18 and younger will be treated to a free lunch. Other events include free inflatable games, various children’s game booths and a concession stand selling funnel cakes and drinks.

Ducks can be purchased until just before race time at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Moses said the community is always eager to support the event because many see first-hand KCEOC’s work in the community.

“People know the proceeds go to a good cause and they can see the money go right back into the community,” Moses said. “We fed 1,600 kids today (Monday) in summer feeding program.”

Major sponsors are the Barbourville Women’s Junior Study Club, Union College, Vangent, Gordon Food Service, Wal-Mart of Barbourville, Union National Bank, the Barbourville Mountain Advocate, Edward D. Jones Financial Services and Mix 96.

KCEOC’s women’s shelter is also sponsoring a fundraiser this week. On Thursday, it will hold its first ever Hannah Montana look-a-like and dance contests for girls ages 5-15. The contest begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Knox County Middle School in Barbourville, and a $10 entry fee will get a girl into both contests. Girls will be vying for two $100 value prize packages awarded in each contest, with a total of $400 in Hannah Montana merchandise given away. Thursday’s winners will be honored at the Ken-Ducky Derby, Moses said.

For more information, about either fundraiser event, contact KCEOC at 546-3152.

To reserve your duck, call KCEOC or visit online at www.kenduckyderby.org.