“It’s duck season,” warned Blairsville Police Chief Michael “Bear” Baxter ahead of the yellow swarm that will soon overtake Butternut Creek at the Union County Farmers Market.
This year marks the Eighth Annual Duck Derby, and hopes are high that the community will follow up last year’s outstanding participation with a new record for the fundraiser event set to return at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5.
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Ducks are now on sale for $10 each, with all proceeds benefiting the Shop With a Cop for Christmas program by the Blairsville Police Department.
To acquire a duck ticket, stop by Blairsville PD, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Hole in the Wall Restaurant or The Reel Barbershop. People may also talk to an officer around town, as most carry tickets for impromptu sales.
Chief Baxter said that the Police Department may also set up a couple of days at the Farmers Market to sell tickets. Buyers can use cash, check or Venmo, and ticket purchases can also be made over the phone at 706-835-1692.
Thanks to 3,700 ducks floating down the Butternut in 2025, 200 Union County children in need were able to take part in Shop With a Cop last year, marking the biggest attendance in the program’s 26-year history.
“One hundred percent of our money goes to our kids; nobody gets anything out of this stuff,” Baxter said, adding that all money also remains local. Ever since Shop With a Cop’s debut in 2000, 3,000 kids have been taken shopping for Christmas. “In my opinion, it’s one of the best things we do here at the PD.”
“We have one of the biggest and most successful Shop With a Cop programs in the state, and we want to continue to make that happen,” Baxter said, crediting the support of many generous community members for the program’s widening outreach and ongoing success.
The more successful the Duck Derby, the more well-deserving children can attend, and the more money they get to spend on Christmas gifts – and it all depends on community participation.
It’s worth noting that most students buy necessities like clothes and shoes, and many make a point of securing gifts for family and friends before they ever consider putting something in the cart for themselves.
And while the end result is heartwarming, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Tickets just went on sale July 1 and will be available right up until derby day.
As in past years, Baxter anticipates at least 100 race prizes being given out, although local businesses are welcome to donate what they can. Interested parties can contact the Blairsville Police Department to make prize donations.
The lame duck – the last to reach the finish line – has historically yielded a prize grill, and the same will be true for the 2026 season. Other prizes have included gift baskets from local businesses, gift cards, cash sums and more.
Of course, it’s fun to take home prizes, but the real winners of the Duck Derby each year are the kiddos who get a brighter Christmas than they would have otherwise.
“I know the people like to win the little prizes, but deep down in their heart, they’re playing because of what it is, and I do appreciate that,” Baxter said.
The police chief is hopeful the flock of 3,700 can grow to 4,000 ducks this year to set another record. He said they have the resources in tickets and ducks, but it’s up to the public to make that happen.
“It’s a great cause,” added Blairsville Mayor Buddy Moore, noting that he, too, wants to break last year’s record-setting derby.
