COOLEEMEE— More than 1,000 rubber ducks will take a plunge into the South Yadkin near the Cooleemee dam on Saturday, July 20, at 2 p.m. The first numbered duck to reach the finish line will win its “owner” a cash prize of $300. Second place will win $150, with third place at $75.
This is the fourth year for the Great Bullhole Duck Race & Festival. It will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at RiverPark, at the end of Erwin Temple Church Road (just one-half mile from Cooleemee off Hwy. 801 and Needmore Road).There will be games, food and kid’s activities. The Duck Race begins when all of the numbered ducks are dumped into the river by the O’Neal Race Team.
The second annual South Yadkin Tube Race will once again run in conjunction with this event at 11 a.m. at the Cooleemee Junction Wildlife area in Davie County. First place winner will be awarded a bull trophy and a $100 cash prize.
Official Tube Race contestants must fill out a registration form, a liability waiver and have signed a copy of the official rules. An early fee of $10 may be submitted with this paperwork before July 19. The fee will go up to $15 the day of the race. Regulation tubes and life vests can be rented at the junction before the race begins at $5 each. To get the registration package call (336) 284-6040.
This year, RiverPark will provide parking and transportation to the junction from the RiverPark picnic shelter on the Rowan side at 10:30 a.m.
Jamie Coleman Lawhon won last year’s tube race. “Jamie’s the one to beat,” says RiverPark Events Coordinator Stephanie Waller. “And, there’s only one way to win those cash prizes in the Duck Race,” she adds. “You have to buy a ticket.” Single duck tickets are $5 each, a Quack Pack of six sells for $25, and you can purchase a Flock of 15 for $50. You do not have to be present to win but you must show your numbered ticket stub to collect your prize.
Duck tickets can be purchased at Village Auto, Davie Discount Drugs and the Zachary House in Cooleemee, at the Chamber of Commerce in Mocksville and at the LandTrust office in Salisbury. Duck tickets will also be sold until 1 p.m. at RiverPark but no later.
Proceeds from these races go to keep RiverPark open, clean and safe.