Ducks Dash supports local organizations
Ducks are no strangers to Skaneateles.
They can often be found on the lake shore or in the creek that wraps behind Fennell Street.
But on July 22, about 4,500 ducks, rubber ducks that is, will be making their way down Skaneateles creek for the fifth annual Duck Dash.
The dash helps raise funds for the Skaneateles YMCA, Laker Limo and The Skaneateles Foundation.
According to Dorothea Hughes, branch director of the Skaneateles YMCA, the idea was born out of her involvement with the Kiwanis Club in Auburn.
“I’ve been involved with the Auburn Kiwanis Duck Derby since its inception in 1989,” Hughes said. “I think the race started because Randy Stockweather saw the Duck Derby and thought that a similar, albeit smaller version, would be successful in Skaneateles and approached me about borrowing the ducks from Kiwanis and running a race in Skaneateles. Since Randy is involved in both the Laker Limo and the chamber, it became a three organization fundraiser.”
Over the past few years the event has grown both in terms of popularity and support.
Hughes said each year the number of sponsors has grown and attendance has risen each year with more people buying ducks.
Tara Lynn, executive director of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce believes it is the fact that the Duck Dash is a fun event that has made it successful.
While the ducks are the main attraction, there is also food, music and games for the whole family to take part in.
“Where else can you see thousands of rubber ducks floating down Skaneateles Creek,” Lynn said. “Everyone can participate and take fun in the Duck Dash activities, but it’s the perfect family outing. Kids are entertained the entire time and the adults can eat, drink and relax while the kids run around.”
As fun as the dash may be, it is an event that takes a lot of coordination.
“The committee starts meeting 6 months before the event and the event,” Lynn said. “Confirming sponsors is the first thing we work on, without their support; we wouldn’t have a Duck Dash.”
Lynn also praised the support of the many volunteers.
“We rely on volunteers for all of the race day activities,” Lynn said. “Volunteers from each of the participating organizations help out. We have volunteers helping sell food/drink/duck tickets, manage the ducks, play music, organize the raffle tickets and much more. It’s truly a community event; so many people spend their Friday night helping make the event a success.”
Lynn said tickets can be purchased right up until the start of the race at 6:30.
In addition to the mini-races, where children will be able to purchase ducks and throw them in the creek themselves.
For more information contact the chamber of commerce at 685-0552.
