It’s almost that time of year again. People are planning their Fourth of July celebrations in various ways around the country to honor the birth of our nation.
Many of our celebrations are centered around fireworks, games, and some type of water play, in a pool, creek or ocean.
East Brewton certainly has its own traditions for the day. One of those happenings this Saturday, July 4, will be the annual duck race on Murder Creek. It is the brainchild of Mayor Terry Clark.
“Several years ago Coleman and Voncile Fountain were visiting their son in Helena,” Karen Singleton, East Brewton city clerk said. “It was there that they saw a large number of ducks floating down the river. It made an impression on them and they brought the idea to the attention of Mayor Clark.”
Steve Dunaway, co-chair of the Fourth of July celebration, said that was all Clark had to hear to sell him on the idea of using the idea for the annual event at Fort Crawford.
“As you may know, Mayor Clark is all about the Fourth of July celebration every year,” Dunaway said. “He absolutely loves that day and all that goes with it. He really liked the idea of having a duck race down Murder Creek and awarding prizes to the first ducks to cross the finish line.”
Clark was looking for ways to bring attention to the community and the annual event. Fireworks are a big part of the day, but they needed other ways to get the public to come to Fort Crawford. There is always lots of games such as bingo, spades, horseshoes and others, many with prizes. They also have a lot of good food and entertainment throughout the day.
“We still have really good prices on the food that is sold,” Dunaway said. “I don’t think the prices have changed in the past 12 or 15 years. People can also do their own cooking if they want to. It’s all about having a good time.”
The duck race is held at 6 p.m. and draws a large crowd. Individuals purchase the chance to win cash by putting their number on the duck. The ducks are sponsored by Georgia Pacific and they have made around 500 ducks available. The ducks will be released around the turn of the creek and a net will stop them well before they get under the Murder Creek bridge. The first three over the line will be picked up by someone waiting in the creek. Some always get away and if you should see a little yellow duck floating down the Conecuh River, just remember that it probably escaped from the handlers at Fort Crawford.
Ducks may be purchased at city hall for $5 each and will be available now right up until the time of the race. You do not have to be there to win, but it would be more fun to be there. There will be a inflated water slide and jump house for the children.
After that, stick around for the entertainment and finally the fireworks which will begin at 9:30 p.m. Saturday night.