By By LYDIA GRIMES-Features writer
Duck, duck – duck? There will be no geese in this game because it is time for the annual Fourth of July duck race held in East Brewton.
The ducks, which come in various colors, are available at East Brewton City Hall for sale or rent for $5 – the ducks are not meant to be kept. Mayor Terry Clark said they have already sold approximately 200 ducks and have at least another 100 to sell.
The history of the duck race evolved about 12 years ago when Coleman Fountain saw a duck race in North Alabama and brought the idea back to East Brewton.
It has become a tradition and integral part of the celebration held at Fort Crawford Park in East Brewton. Promptly at 7 p.m. on Monday, all the purchased ducks will be set free at the site of Old Fort Crawford Park upstream from the new park.
They will float down the creek until they are stopped before they pass under the Murder Creek bridge. The duck that gets there first will net the owner $200 while the second place winner will win $100 and third place will win $50.
County Commission Chairman Larry White reported one duck "that got away" was found near Flomaton, and that does happen sometimes.
The ducks can be purchased at East Brewton City Hall or from any member of the Fort Crawford Commission. Clark said that in past years, the city has raised nearly $1,200 to $1,500 from the purchase of the ducks. The remaining money not given to winners is used to purchase the annual fireworks, which begins at 10 p.m. Clark said that this has been one of the greatest ways of fundraising for the city.
He urges everyone to come on down and cheer for your favorite duck to cross the finish line.