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The 2024 Columbus Duck Derby is almost here. Just as the Kentucky Derby came down to a very close race, the Duck Derby is anticipated to have a similar result as the first ever “Duck Drop” approaches on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Three thousand rubber ducks will be released into the Colorado River from the East River Bridge to the finish line at Beason’s Park. The first three ducks that cross the finish line will win big: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third place. Duck owners will not need to be present to earn the prize. Winners will be announced following the Magnolia Belle Presentation at 1 p.m. on the Court House Square There are only several hundred ducks still available for purchase at $5 each. A Quack Pack of six is $25, and a Flock of thirteen is $50.
The remaining ducks can be purchased online at ColumbusEducation Foundation.org. The rubber duckies will have individual numbers matching the ticket with the purchase.
They will float down the river and funnel through river boons to the finish line with kayakers paddling along the river to collect any ducks that get lost on the way to get them back into the race.
CEF Board member Becca Edmiston is the Duck Derby “Game Warden” and recently shared some comments on the first iteration of this event.
“We are looking forward to a great inaugural event,” Edmiston said, “There’s no way to know how this will end but you can watch from the riverbank along with us! Our racecourse is planned so that none of the ducks will escape down the river but three of them will manage to finish as winners! Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for seating and water to maximize the one hour of fun!”
CEF gives special recognition to its major sponsors: Drymalla, AL&M, Baumgart Agency and the Mark A Chapman Foundation.
Pictured from left are CEF members Becca Edmiston, Janet Hollmann, Sam Hodge, Susan Baumgart, Rachel Benjamin, Mandi Kulhanek, & Kerin Kulhanek at the “practice run” on the River.
Pictured from left are Susan Glitero, Mandi Kulhanek and Kerin Kulhanek ready with nets to capture rubber duckies at the finish.
Mandi Kulhanek, Leader of the “Duck Squad” of CEF volunteers working to create more scholarships and classroom grants to enhance the future for our youth. Courtesy photos
Come join in the fun and support the Columbus Education Foundation. Proceeds for this event will support scholarships and classroom grants for students and teachers in Columbus ISD.
Columbus Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that wishes to enhance the educational opportunities at CISD. Your support for fund raisers such as the Columbus Duck Derby will go a long way in realizing this goal.
