Delayed duck derby supports Discovery Center

Members of Ocala Fire Rescue spray a powerful water jet from a fire hose to get the rubber ducks moving across Lake Tuscawilla during the Marion Rotary Duck Derby at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. 5,000 ducks were floated across the lake during the annual Duck Derby which raised money for the City of Ocala Discovery Center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Home » Community

Posted February 20, 2024 | By Susan Smiley-Height, susan@magnoliamediaco.com

As with several other local events, rain put a damper on the annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby, initially scheduled for Feb. 17, but the event went off on Feb. 19 with 5,000 rubber ducks bobbing in the waters of the lake at Tuscawilla Park.

Monday’s rescheduled event started at 1:30 p.m., with the all-important “race” at 4 p.m. That was when the rubber ducks entered the water and were ushered toward the finish line with the help of a powerful jet of water from a fire hose, courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue personnel.

People could “adopt” a duck for a fee and the funds raised through the event will benefit the city of Ocala’s Discovery Center.

“Funds for a Purpose participants in the Duck Derby contributed to the success of this philanthropic event, with the proceeds benefiting the Discovery Center. This family-friendly science center focuses on interactive learning, fostering an environment that encourages individuals to expand their knowledge. Over the past few years, the Duck Derby events have proudly raised almost $30,000 and, when combined with grants and sponsorships, over $200,000 for the Discovery Center,” noted a news release from Marion Rotary Clubs.

The release stated that first through fifth place race winners, and the amount of their earnings, were: Erin Eldridge, $2,000; Shelley Orr, $1,500; Community Foundation, $750; Donna Miller, $500; Dawn Oliver-Thompson, Jim Samuelson and Rick Bourne, $250 each.

“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Ocala’s board of directors and club members and all Rotarians of Marion County, we are pleased to announce the winners of our 5th Annual Duck Derby,” said Tim Dean, president of the Rotary Club of Ocala, in the news release. “We thank the staff both at the city of Ocala and the Discovery Center for their support in helping us conduct a very successful fundraiser, despite having to reschedule last-minute due to inclement weather. We look forward to continuing our longstanding support of the Discovery Center and other Rotary charities in future Duck Derbies as we give back to our community in the Rotary way of Service Above Self.”