By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
COVID-19 may have canceled Big Brothers Big Sisters' bowling event this spring, but the ducks are set to race as normal on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at the Hays Aquatic Park in the annual Duck Derby.
Thousands of rubber ducks will slip down the main slide at the water park and race around the lazy river for a chance for one lucky donor to win a car.
"We are really hoping to provide people with something to look forward to," said Jenny Bates, BBBS of Ellis County director.
The make and model of vehicle to be given away has yet to be announced.
Nine other prizes will be up for grabs for the other top finishers, including a two-night stay in a vacation rental in Branson and a laptop provided by Eagle Vyve Broadband.
Ducks cost $5 for one duck, $25 for six ducks, $50 for 12 ducks and $100 for 25 ducks.
Children can also win prizes in the Duck Dash. Children's ducks are $2 each.
Ducks for both divisions are now on sale at James Motor Company, Bank of Hays, Hays Hobby Shop and the BBBS office and Downtown Hays Development Corp. offices, which are both in the Chestnut Building, 1200 Main. Eagle Radio will sell ducks when it reopens for regular hours on July 1.
BBBS will be at the Hays Downtown market on Saturday, June 27, selling ducks. BBBS also will be participating in the Wild West Fest parade and Bazaar on the Bricks, which has been rescheduled to Saturday, Aug. 1.
You can also purchase ducks online or find an entry form for the cardboard boat race at www.haysduckderby.net.
Auto World is coming back as a two-time champion of the cardboard boat races. As such, the business earned naming rights, choosing the Man Overboard Challenge II.
Entry fee is $500 per team. Teams consist of four people. Two people can be in the boat paddling, and two people can assist in launching the boat.
If COVID-19 social distancing concerns remain, organizers may increase the number of boat race heats.
Duck Derby goers are welcome to swim the night of the event. There also will be a hot dog feed fundraiser.
If COVID-19 restrictions would prohibit the gathering of a crowd the day of the event, BBBS has developed a contingency to broadcast the races via live stream.
You do not have to present to win any of the prizes, including the grand prize vehicle, Bates said.
BBBS continued to operate during the COVID-19 shutdown. Although matches could not meet in person, they found inventive ways to communicate. Some called, texted or video conferenced. Others used old-fashioned letter writing.
One big and little exchanged messages using sidewalk chalk on the little's sidewalk.
Yet another family posted a sign in their little's yard expressing how much they missed their little.
Ellis Bigs took a financial hit when it was forced to cancel its Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser this spring. Bates said considering the local economy right now, she does not know how duck sales will go this year.
"We have re-created our budget, knowing the economy right now," she said. "We want the Duck Derby to be successful. It is an important part of funding for our program."
BBBS of Ellis County is serving 140 matches. This is up 20 matches from the same time last year, Bates said.
The organization always needs volunteers. Thirty-five youth are waiting for matches.
If you are interested in volunteering or need more information about the Duck Derby, you can contact BBBS at 785-625-6672.
Eagle Radio, the parent company of the Hays Post, is a presenting sponsor for the Duck Derby.