Getting Ducky Down in Catlettsburg Kentucky
The KenDucky Derby Is Underway
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Get ready Catlettsburg Kentucky… because on September 2, 2023, the Catlettsburg Boat Dock is about to have its water turn into a sea of yellow. Yellow rubber duckies that is! That’s right… rubber ducks! We are familiar with The Kentucky Derby and their illustrious racehorses. Executive Director of The Neighborhood and Boyd County Commissioner, Jeremy Holbrook, is no stranger to the community and is always producing new and unique ways to help local nonprofits in our area create, meet, and crush fundraising goals.
Holbrook’s latest stroke of genius brought with it an idea to bring a little bit of the derby to the county. The “KenDucky Derby,” is underway, and it brings not only a fun and unique experience but the opportunity to help over twenty local nonprofits. So, you may be asking yourself just what is the KenDucky Derby and where did the idea come from? Holbrook shared, “The KenDucky Derby will be a Rubber Duck Race on the Ohio River (at the Catlettsburg Boat Ramp) on Saturday, September 2nd at 4 p.m. during Catlettsburg Labor Day festivities. I have researched other rubber duck races that have been hosted as raffles for individuals to “win money” as a 50/50 operation with the hosting organization, which is always a fun opportunity. But, I wanted to try something different that could help multiple local organizations. Due to the economy, inflation, and other circumstances so many of our local nonprofits have struggled with charitable giving and receiving donations. I know our community has extremely generous and supportive people, but over the past year or two, we have all been struggling to make ends meet.”
You can visit www.KenDuckyDerby.org to “adopt” a single rubber duck or an entire wacky waddle of rubber ducks. A wacky waddle consists of twelve rubber ducks. Once you have all your ducks in a row, you are then ready to head on out to the Catlettsburg Boat Dock on September 2 to see your new rubbery friends released into the wild and onto the Ohio River. “Based upon the total number of ducks adopted (released in the race), the first-place winner (individual) will receive 10% of the total and 15% will go to their chosen nonprofit. We will give prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place individuals and their chosen nonprofit organization. The Bluegrass state is well known for its horse racing, and I’m very excited for how Boyd County will be a part of that in the upcoming years with Sandy’s Racing Quarter Horse track; I felt it would be a great opportunity to combine the competitive “racing” mindset with a community serving sponsorship,” shared Holbrook.
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than coming together for a fun day at the boat dock to support local non-profits in a fun and quacky manner? “I think this will be an incredibly fun event for everyone to bring their children to. I am hoping that we will have thousands of ducks going down the Ohio River. We have ordered 10,000 rubber ducks for the event (however we will only release the number of ducks that have been adopted/sponsored for the event). We are excited that the participating nonprofit agencies have the opportunity to set up a table at the event. This provides them a fantastic way to interact with the community and gives residents a chance to learn about the organizations within their community,” noted Holbrook.
Over twenty local nonprofit organizations, including volunteer fire departments, youth sports leagues, and agencies that serve those at risk or in need will benefit from this event. You will not want to miss out on the KenDucky Derby. It’s not about whose duck will be the fastest or who will come in first place. Holbrook pointed out, “Perhaps an agency doesn’t “win the Derby,” but they might gain a handful of new volunteers, which is immeasurably important toward our missions. Our community has so many valuable agencies that are supported by the incredible people who volunteer and serve. The KenDucky Derby was created to bring awareness and support for those who are loving local by their service.”
This event would not have been possible had it not been for caring and selfless individuals like the ones reading this article right now. YOU are what makes our community so great, and it is YOU that will keep our community in a constant stage of growth. A special thank you goes out to Marathon Marine for all the help they have provided with the setup and facilitation of this event and to our local Coast Guard. The Ashland Beacon hopes to see you all out at the Catlettsburg Boat Docks for Boyd County’s first ever KenDucky Derby.