MOUNT VERNON — The second annual Duck Race to benefit the Heritage Centre Association was a popular attraction at First Friday. The race was held on the Kokosing River west of the viaduct and attracted a large crowd to watch the rubber ducks float down the river.
Ducks were sold at First Friday events and a few locations for $20 or a “six-duck” for $100. The proceeds are used to support the Heritage Centre.
Paul Glass, costumed as a duck, roamed downtown, attracting attention to the event and helped sell ducks right up to the end. Glass is the husband of Heritage Centre volunteer Becky Glass.
“Our goal is to make sure downtown is thriving,” stated Downtown Manager Carrie Crouch. “And to support revitalization,” added Becky Glass.
Helping at the event were representatives of the Knox County Park District including director Kim Marshall and Doug McLarnan. Marshall explained, “We are supporters of the Heritage Centre and we are the official duck wranglers.” Several volunteers waited in the river, gathering the ducks as they crossed the finish.
Over 375 rubber ducks were release from a lift truck by the Heritage Centre’s Corby Wise and Marshall. Mother Goose, portrayed by Carrie Swingle, waded into the river as the ducks “raced” along. The first four ducks were collected to receive prizes.
Glass thanked Mark and Jenny Cadoret who used their yellow truck, which coincidentally has a duck hood ornament, for transporting the ducks to the river. The Cadorets became involved last year when they arrived with their children in duck costumes.
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