Are you looking to end your summer with a bang? Have you checked out the details about the 2020 Castle Rock Ducky Derby? The Downtown Castle Rock Alliance had the opportunity to sit down with Sharon Sjostrom to ask some questions about the history and excitement behind the Ducky Derby. We are excited for you to learn more about this event and help us come together as a community to #CelebrateCastleRock. Below are a few of our favorite questions we were about to discuss with Sharon.
*Check out this chalk artwork done by Kyle Banister located in Festival Park before its gone*
How long has the Ducky Derby been going on?
The first Ducky Derby took place in 1997. We are excited that this year will be our 23rd Annual Ducky Derby.
Who hosts the Ducky Derby?
The Castle Rock Ducky Derby is a joint project of the Rotary Club of Castle Rock and Castle Rock High Noon Rotary.
What is your favorite part of the Ducky Derby?
The best part of the Ducky Derby is seeing the thousands of ducks floating down Plum Creek. Each duck is sponsored by an amazing cause, and it is so cool to see the community come together and float each duck down Plum Creek.
Why should people attend the 2020 Ducky Derby?
We are so excited to be hosting the 2020 Ducky Derby. People should attend this year’s Ducky Derby because it is a family friendly, fun event! This year we have teamed up with the Farmers Market at Festival Park to provide more fun, activities, and things to do.
How is the Ducky Derby going to look different this year because of COVID-19?
We have already postponed the race until August 23 and are committed to the safety and health of our attendees. We will follow all recommendations from the County and Town of Castle Rock. One difference this year is the addition of a Virtual Derby to provide a quick win for a local non-profit. Each Ducky that is sponsored in the live race earns a cheer for their favorite non-profit’s Ducky. The Ducky with the most cheers gets an additional $1000.
What is something unique that people may not know about this event?
One year, when the water in the creek was too low, the ducks were put in a big cement mixer truck, and emptied into a horse watering trough. That was the race.
The Castle Rock Ducky Derby is the largest annual fundraising event for the Castle Rock Rotary Clubs. All the net proceeds benefit various nonprofits. Most of the money donated stays in Douglas County. Last year, the Rotary Club of Castle Rock Foundation donated money to twenty different organizations. If you are interested in buying Ducky Tikets for a chance to win cash prizes check out https://CRDuckyDerby.org.
We hope that you learned something new about the Ducky Derby and can join the Rotary Club on August 23rd! While you are downtown be sure to stop by and visit your favorite merchants and help us #CelebrateCastleRock!