MUSCATINE, Iowa–Though the Kentucky Derby may prove too far off and expensive for most Muscatine residents to attend, the Muscatine Community Y’s annual Duck Derby provides local racing fun open to everyone. A clever way to raise funds for the Y’s children and teen programs, Muscatine Community Y Character Development Director Amy Hessell invites the community to come out to the Aug. 24 Almost Friday Fest in Riverside Park in downtown Muscatine and enter the Duck Derby at 6 p.m.
Pioneered by Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Muscatine and continued by the Muscatine Community Y, the Duck Derby has graced downtown Muscatine for about eight years, first at Second Saturday events and now at Almost Friday Fests. Though the venue has changed over the years, the premise remains unchanged. Anyone wanting to support the Muscatine Community Y may adopt ducks in the race. No matter if you plan to pay $5 for a Lone Duck, $25 for a Quack Pack of six, $15 for a Derby Dozen, or $80 for a Feathery Flock of 20, you can enter the race at a price point that suits you. In all, the Y has 1,000 ducks available for adoption and encourages those wanting to participate to adopt theirs sooner rather than later. You can adopt ducks by stopping into the Y at 1823 Logan Street in Muscatine, calling the Y at (563)-263-9996, or visiting the Y’s website. Online registrants can receive their duck’s number by email or by picking up a printout at the Y.
At the Duck Derby, organizers from the Y will release all 1,000 ducks simultaneously, allowing them to zoom along an enormous backyard waterslide toward the finish line. Adoptors of the first, second, third, and last place ducks will receive prizes, including a one-year family membership to the Y, a portable folding shade canopy, a Fortnite Nerf Gun, and a water balloon launcher, which has already proved popular with children. “The kids get very excited every time they see it,” Hessell reported.
Typically, the Duck Derby brings in about $1,000 for the Y’s children and teen programs, and Hessell wants to see it bring in at least that much again. I would like us to raise $1,000,” she said. “If we go over the $1,000 mark, I’d love it.”
Onlookers enjoyed the 2021 Duck Derby at Almost Friday Fest. File photo courtesy of the Muscatine Community Y.
The funds from the Duck Derby make it possible for the Y to continue offering its more supply-intensive teen programs, including art club and art classes, Science Battles, and drone classes. It also reduces the cost for families placing their children in the Y’s Kids’ Club by assisting with the cost of snacks, art and STEM project materials, and certification for the staff members that oversee it.
A simple way to support the Y’s work, Hessell anticipates a good turnout at this year’s Duck Derby. “It’s an easy way to support the Y and the programs at the Y,” she reflected. “Not only is it kind of fun to watch 1,000 ducks go down a Slip ‘n Slide, but it’s easy.”
She also feels excited to see all the young children who attend the event in person experience the joy of the Duck Derby: “I love seeing the kids’ faces; when they start floating, they just squeal!”
