Seven years ago, Guernsey’s Economic and Tourism Development Corporation was looking for a way to bring some people to town and provide some fun for the community.
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By Vicki Hood | Guernsey Gazette Editor
GUERNSEY — Seven years ago, Guernsey’s Economic and Tourism Development Corporation was looking for a way to bring some people to town and provide some fun for the community.
Borrowing an fundraising event started by Guernsey’s Old Timers, the group began sponsoring a duck race. Taking advantage of the community’s natural layout in relationship to the North Platte River, hundreds of small, numbered plastic ducks are dumped into the river on the west side of town and the first ones to reach the south river bridge are declared winners, earning their owners a nice cash prize.
Well-received and supported by the community, soon additional events were added to the day, including a 5k road race along with a fun run early on the morning of the duck race, and activities in Gordon Davis Park following the duck race.
Four years ago, organizers added what’s become a very popular event to the day’s activities--a beer fest in the park. For several hours, miniature mugs of a large variety of beers are dispersed for tokens that may be purchased with tokens. Along with a salsa contest, horseshoe and corn hole tournaments, and live music throughout the afternoon, it has become a well-attended addition to the Duck Daze celebration.
ABOVE: With the crack of the official starter gun courtesy of the Guernsey Police Department, Doug and Chuck Frederick dump 1,000 plastic ducks into the river to start the 2014 Duck Daze River Race.
(Photo/Vicki Hood)