Duck race to benefit 3 local charities

Saturday's inaugural Ocmulgee Duck Dash at Amerson River Park will benefit not only three local charities, but one lucky winner as well.

Participants are invited to buy a duck for $5, with last chance duck sales beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the race starting at 11:30 a.m. The ducks will be released from a point on the river just upstream from Porter Pavilion and will float to a point just downstream from the pavilion. The winner will receive $1,000.

"The odds of winning are good. With a maximum of 3,000 ducks for sale, the chances of winning are a lot better than the lottery," said Dianna Glymph, president/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia.

In addition to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Crisis Line and Safe House and Furever After Friends will share in the proceeds of the Cherry Blossom Festival sanctioned event.

Concessions and kids' games also will be part of the festivities. Ducks also are available for sale online, and the owner of the winning duck doesn't have to be present. In case of rain or conditions that are too windy, a drawing will be held to pick the winner, Glymph said.

Ocmulgee Duck Dash

When: 11:30 a.m. March 19

Where: Amerson River Park, 2551 North Pierce Drive

Cost: $5 per duck

Information: 478-745-3984

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Duck race to benefit 3 local charities ."