BEDFORD— Thousands of rubber ducks are preparing for a splashy showdown at the John Lowery Memorial Pool as the community gathers for the annual Ugly Duck Derby — a beloved local tradition and major fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County.
This year’s event is set for Friday, May 31 at 6:00 p.m., and organizers are expecting another strong turnout for what has become one of Bedford’s most entertaining and meaningful events.
The Ugly Duck Derby, Dr. Jim Sowders’s brainchild, began in 2013 as a creative way to help the club pay off its mortgage following the merger of the Boys and Girls Clubs. Since then, it has grown into a community staple, raising thousands for the Club each year.
Up to 10,000 rubber ducks will be launched down the pool’s slide in a vibrant, fast-paced race across the water. Each duck is uniquely numbered and recorded to correspond with its owner, ensuring prize eligibility and transparency.
The first duck to reach the opposite side of the pool wins a $4,000 grand prize, but that’s far from the only reward. The top 40 finishers will receive exciting prizes, including tickets to Purdue football games, Indianapolis Indians games, WonderLab passes in Bloomington, and gift cards to local businesses.
Ducks can be purchased at the following rates:
- 1 duck for $5
- 5 ducks for $20
- 13 ducks for $50
- 40 ducks for $100
Supporters who purchase 40 ducks for $100 are automatically entered for a chance to win a weeklong stay at a condo in Siesta Key, Florida, that sleeps up to eight people! The drawing to win this exclusive prize will be live on Facebook on May 8 at 5:30 p.m.
In addition to the primary race, the event will also feature the Blue Duck Derby, a high-stakes mini-race limited to just 100 special blue ducks priced at $100 each. The winner receives $2,500, and the last-place duck still earns a $100 consolation prize.
The United Way sponsors a free swim day with the derby at the John Lowery Memorial Pool. The pool will be open to the public at no cost from 12 to 6 p.m., before the races start.
All proceeds from the Ugly Duck Derby support programming at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County, including after-school activities, academic support, sports, leadership training, and more.
For more information, visit the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County’s website or follow their Facebook page.
