📷 Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Derby awards $10,000 prize
Posted Aug 08, 2024 10:01 AM
Duck race down the lazy river Wednesday at the Hays Aquatic Park during the Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Derby. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post
Six thousand rubber ducks raced for $10,000 at the ninth-annual Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County Duck Derby Wednesday at the Hays Aquatic Park.
The winners of the grand prize and nine other prizes were announced Wednesday, but the names of the winners will not be released for publication until the winners are notified today.
Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Area businesses also donated prizes for children with 1,000 ducks racing in the children's Duck Dash contest.
In addition to the duck races, the event featured the Forward Ever cardboard boat regatta, which was won for the second year in a row by Werth Wealth Management. They win the right to name the race again next year.
Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostTwo Hays girls watch as the ducks in the children's Duck Dash round the bend of the lazy river. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
The High Plains Baptist Church took second, and the Hays Water Resources Department took third. Bethesda Place took home the Titanic Award after its boat sank upon launch.
The Hays Water Resources Department won the Spirit Award, and Cloud Storage won Best in Show with their shark boat. Cloud Storage managed to finish the race despite breaking a paddle.
A duo from Werth Wealth Management win the Forward Ever cardboard boat regatta for the second year in a row. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostCloud Storage's boat cruises to the finish line after breaking a paddle. Their boat won Best in Show. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Water Resource Department took third place in the cardboard boat regatta and won the Spirit Award. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Hays Police Department competes in the cardboard boat regatta. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostHays firefighters paddle toward the finish in the cardboard boat regatta. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostAstra Bank makes a splash with their boat. All boats had to be made of cardboard and duct tape. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostHigh Plains Baptist Church took second in the regatta. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Enersys boat finishes strong. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Bethesda Place's boat sank on launch, earning them the Titanic Award. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
Each year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County serves more than 200 children. They currently have 150 matches with individuals or families who provide support and mentorship.
Forty-five children are on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list in Ellis County.
The organization is seeking both community-based and school-based volunteers.
For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit its website or Facebook page.
A crowd gathers as the second Duck Derby heat concludes. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostDucks hit the water at the Duck Derby on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe $10,000 winning duck is captured at the finish line on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostThe Eagle Media crew and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County director Jenny Bates take to the slide after the Duck Derby on Wednesday. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post
