February 13 opens this year’s duck season – Duck Derby season, that is. This is a season that is fun for everyone because it is about supporting the organizations in the community that give so much year round. And it all culminates with an event that is like no other in town — the Duck Derby.

On Sunday, April 26, the event organizers at Fayetteville Urban Ministry will drop the ducks into the creek at Festival Park for the big race. The corporate/business sponsored ducks (25-30 of them) race first, followed by the main duck race where 10,000-15,000 regular-sized rubber ducks compete to see who will win this year’s prizes. 

Unlike other fundraisers, The Duck Derby raises funds for several organizations. Last year, there were more than 70 teams registered as Duck Derby contestants. Last year’s teams included the Cumberland County Schools system, health-related organizations, arts organizations, educational foundations and more. Each one had the potential to benefit from this event. This year is shaping up to be a good one, too, with plenty of teams signing up to participate.

The Fayetteville Urban Ministry has set the wheels in motion, but the real magic happens when the duck adoptions begin. The public is invited to adopt a duck (or team of ducks) to compete in the Duck Derby. The top five winners receive prizes. This year there is a new prize category for the last place duck, too. Like always, the donors have been generous this year offering up a 22-foot travel camper from Camping World of Fayetteville for the Grand Prize.

“If winner is present, they will get $150 in cash, too,” said Executive Director of Fayetteville Urban Ministry Johnny Wilson.

The second place winner will get a 65-inch flat screen TV from Walmart Distribution Center. The third place prize is a set of tires with a value of up to $500, from Ed’s Tire. The fourth place winner will receive a full year membership to Renaissance European Day Spa. A $250 grocery gift card awaits the fifth place winner and the prize for last place is a tent and a jar of molasses from Camping World of Fayetteville.

In a new turn of events, this year, the Duck Derby is a sanctioned Dogwood Festival event and will take place during the Dogwood Festival, which Wilson sees as a benefit.

“There will be tons of live music, food, games and vendors for the entire weekend — April 24 -26 — at the Dogwood Festival,” said Wilson.

Around 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, the Duck Derby will round out the weekend festivities.

The Duck Derby is a fun, family-friendly event, but the weeks leading up to the event are important, too. The more ducks that get adopted, the bigger the impact on the community.

“This event is a fun way to adopt a duck and transform someone’s life through a duck race,” said Wilson. “With all proceeds combined, we have generated more than $225,000 to give right back to the community from the past four Duck Derby events.” 

So how does it work? It’s simple and only takes a click. Visit www.fayettevilleduckderby.com and click on the Adopt a Duck tab. Once there, choose the options that suit you. Adopt one duck (or many ducks) and choose the teams (nonprofit organizations) that you want to benefit from your adoption. As the event organizer, the Fayetteville Urban Ministry keeps a small portion to cover the costs of the event. The rest of the adoption fee will go to the team. Adoption papers are also available at the Fayetteville Urban Ministry at 701 Whitfield St. Sponsorships are also available.

People seeking a more hands-on approach are invited to volunteer at Fayetteville Urban Ministry, as well. Fayetteville Urban Ministry has four programs that serve all of Cumberland County clients that qualify.

Adult Literacy. Serves a population of adults that read at 5th grade level or below, GED preparation, cooking classes, financial literacy, English As a Second Language classes and job interviewing.

Emergency Assistance. Serves individuals and families that are in crisis. The program offers a food pantry, a clothing closet and some financial assistance if funds are available.

Find-A-Friend. Works with at-risk and court-involved youth after school. Workshops cover peer pressure, relationships within family, conflict resolution, saying no to drugs and more. Tutoring is offered along with one-on-one mentoring for selected youth.

Project Nehemiah. Is a home-repair program for elderly or low income homeowners clients that qualify.

“Through these four programs we will collectively serve more than 8,000-10,000 individuals and families at no cost to them,” said Wilson.

Between Feb. 13 and April 26, Quacky, the Duck Derby mascot, is available to attend local events.

“He gets booked fast and we allow him to show at least two hours for partners’ events,” said Wilson, adding that seeing Quacky out and around is one of his favorite things about the Duck Derby. “So much excitement! You see kids go crazy to high five or hug Quacky. Many folks are really blown away that for only $5 they can actually win some prizes. I cannot count how many times that folks say, ‘Well, even if I don’t win anything my donation goes to a great cause!’ And lastly, we get to see so many community impact organizations and supporters come together for a great initiative.”

Find out more about the Duck Derby and how you can help at www.fayettevilleduckderby.com. Find out more about Fayetteville Urban Ministry at http://www.fayurbmin.org.

Photo: Duck Season is open. Buy your duck now to help build a stronger community.