This year’s Duck Derby Shop With A Cop Fundraiser was the biggest one yet. At 3,586 ducks strong, that’s 400 more tickets purchased than the previous record in 2024.
The race was sold out before the event even began on Saturday, Aug. 30; usually, last-minute tickets are offered to those who want to buy some the day of the race.
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Everyone from longtime members of the community to guests just visiting the Union County Farmers Market gathered on the banks of Butternut Creek around 11 a.m. to watch thousands of plastic fowl float down the current. Among the sea of yellow, a handful didn’t match their kin.
“There’s a brown one,” one perceptive child pointed out, and a few “odd ducks out” came in blue or white, or even sported ladybug patterns.
About 185 prizes were up for grabs, including the gas grill that always goes to the “lame duck” that crosses the finish line last. This was also an unprecedented number, adding up to about 20 more donated items than in years past.
In all, it took about 30 minutes for the aquatic race to run its course, with a gaggle of excited kids – and adults – following the winners down the initial rush to the waiting nets of Blairsville Police Chief Michael “Bear” Baxter and Union County Sheriff Shawn Dyer.
Kelly Davis was there with her daughter, Ashley Groves. Groves’ son, Perry James, is nearly 2, and he was having a great time at his first Duck Derby. His mother and grandmother shared his enthusiasm but directed it toward the fundraising aspect.
“I know how it feels not having the money or the means,” admitted Davis. “(The Shop With a Cop Program is) a beautiful thing.”
“We try to give back,” added Groves, with Davis agreeing, “This is going to make so many kids happy.”
Kristen and Mike Kimson brought their three kids out to the Duck Derby after purchasing their tickets. As new residents of Union County, they were especially grateful for the social aspect of the race, which gave them an opportunity to meet their neighbors.
“It’s great for the community,” Kristen said. “We were looking for something fun to do. There are so many cool little things that they’ve got going for families here. That’s why we picked Blairsville – they’ve got a lot of cool stuff for kids.”
Safe Pet Project volunteers served as “duck wranglers,” freeing ducks from snags, rocks and jutting banks using oars. One onlooker climbed down the bank and pulled up a large branch, freeing a deluge of ducks and allowing them to finish the race. For his efforts, he received applause from the bridge above.
By the end of the day, the winners were announced, including the “Top 10.” Recipients of the $500 cash prize included Brad Sherman and Ricky Rich, while $250 went to Steve Boots. Brian McDonald and K. Griffiths won $100, and Claire Stanley received a $250 Alexander’s gift card. June Stanford won a custom clock from PNG Engraving, and Sheila Parton took home the LongHorn gift basket. Nolan Lee won a $100 gift certificate for Revive IV Nutrition and Wellness, and Bob Kerns got a Corkcicle backpack cooler.
More important than the prizes, however, was the sentiment touched on by Groves and Davis. All proceeds raised from Duck Derby ticket sales go toward the Shop With A Cop Program, which helps children in need celebrate Christmas with a shopping spree for presents.
“A lot of times, you donate money, you don’t know where it went, but this way, you can go to Walmart and watch it,” said Greg Loskoski on his way out of the Farmers Market after the derby’s conclusion.
Added Loskoski, “It’s great, and look at the community support. You don’t see that every day with support for what law enforcement is doing. But they’re just ordinary human beings doing what I think is an extraordinary job.”
