The Shadow
The Kiwanis Club of the Jackson River Area has not been around long. According to Pam Warren, the secretary-treasurer of the club, it has only been two years since the branch was created. As such, it is destined to experience a number of firsts. On Saturday, July 29th, they will be having their very first “inaugural” Duck Race. While a similar fundraiser was done last year in the form of dropping artificial ducks on a target, this year, the ducks will be released into the Jackson River and “race” to a finish line.
The “Duck Race” is a fundraiser that stands to benefit many of the children in the Alleghany Highlands. “All of the money stays local,” Warren said. “We actually support things to do with children. We sponsor Little League in Clifton Forge, we’ve done a thing called “Cops with Kids” where they go in and read to them; Kiwanis has a program called “Terrific Kid” where it’s in the schools and the teachers, every grading period, they will choose a child in their class that they think has done something special.”
The Kiwanis Club of the Jackson River Area does a lot of special things themselves. From their own pockets, they have made other generous and notable contributions to the community. In addition to making donations to the Christmas Mother, they also buy gifts for underprivileged children on the Angel Tree; a program through the Salvation Army at Christmastime each year.
It is with this generous spirit that the idea for the “Duck Race” was most likely born. The way it works is simple. Anyone who wishes to participate buys a ticket with a number on it. That number corresponds with one of a thousand special-made ducks that will be racing. More than one ticket may be purchased by an individual, with tickets being $5 each. Those who wish to purchase a ticket may do so by contacting Pam Warren at 540-969-6764, emailing the Kiwanis of the Jackson River Area at jacksonriverkiwanis@gmail.com, or stopping in the Virginian Review office, located at 201 W. Locust Street in Covington.
The race, as previously mentioned, will be held on July 29th at noon, though last-minute tickets will be sold beginning around 11 a.m. Then at noon, the ducks —who have been specially crafted to turn right-side up— will “race” down Jackson River to their end point on Maple Avenue where kayakers and a boom (a device typically used by firefighters to stop chemicals from moving downstream) will be located.
Four prizes will be given out that day! First place will take home $500, Second: $250, Third: $100, and the last duck to cross the finish line will receive a consolation prize of $50. In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled for August 12, with all other details remaining the same.
