12th Annual Plattsburgh Roducky Derby Shaping Up To Be A Spec-Quack-ular Event

Vicki Marking (center) and Ellen Bouchard (right) sell ducks to customers at the Rotary tent prior to the 2009 Roducky race.

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Now in its 12th year, the Roducky Derby is an exciting opportunity to get involved in support of a great cause to help raise funds for the many charitable organizations that Rotary supports in the North Country.

The Roducky Derby will start in front of the Macdonough Monument around 3:00 P.M. Saturday, September 11th immediately following the Beat Retreat during the Battle of Plattsburgh festivities. The Roducky Derby will be a part of Rotary “Race Day” which will include the inaugural running of the Rotary bed race.

Picture this: Hundreds of yellow rubber ducks being let loose to careen down a manmade river along the sidewalk leading to the Saranac River. “These aren’t ordinary rubber ducks,” says Ellen Bouchard, Roducky Derby chairperson.

“These are racing ducks that have been training and preparing for months to go out and raise money for local non-profits.” The numbered ducks sport sunglasses, big smiles, and race their little hearts out for the sake of charity. Each duck will race to the finish line in an effort to win a prize for the person who adopted it. Ducks that make it first into the duck trap win great prizes donated by local businesses for their lucky adopters.

WPTZ NewsChannel 5 and the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh are providing this year’s grand prize, four tickets to the “Jimmy Fallon” show in New York City, including transportation and lodging.

“The historical success of the Roducky Derby shows that Rotary is heavily invested in the community, and to our fellow not-for-profit organizations. The money we raise helps to provide or enhance services that may otherwise not be available,” continued Bouchard.
In addition to the trip to “Jimmy Fallon,” other race prizes include:

• 32” VIZIO Flat Screen TV
• Onyx & Mother of Pearl Silver Necklace courtesy of Kneucraft Jewelers
• $100.00 Savings Bond from NBT Bank
• Children’s Birthday Party at Fred Villari’s Studios valued at $200.00
• And 14 additional prizes!!

Individuals can adopt Roduckys for a $5 donation. Packages of multiple ducks are available at discounted prices. Ducks will be on sale at “Duck Central” located across from City Hall, in front of MacDonough Monument all day on Saturday, September 11th.

More information is also available by contacting the Plattsburgh Rotary Club office at 518 563-7040. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this important event!