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By Jeanna Baxter White

Word Master Media Group

What is small, yellow, and races?

If you said a rubber ducky floating down the South Yadkin River, you would be correct.

The Great Bullhole Duck Race organizers hope that 1,500 will plunge into the river near the Cooleemee dam on Saturday,  Aug. 6 at 1 p.m.

The first numbered duck to reach the finish line downriver will win its owner a cash prize of $250. The second place winner will garner $100, third place $50. That’s something to quack about.

This year’s Great Bullhole Duck Race, which runs from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m,  marks the 12th anniversary of the RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls’s annual summer fundraiser.  Proceeds support the ongoing operations of the park, aka The Bullhole, to ensure the park is clean and safe for visitors to enjoy. The board and staff are excited about the opportunity to showcase some of the recent improvements at the park, including a complete renovation of the bathrooms, a new entrance sign, and a gatehouse.

“A day at RiverPark is a great family outing for all ages,” said RiverPark President Paul Moore. “Patrons can swim in the Yadkin, hike along trails, or relax by the shores. Picnic shelters are also available for patrons to enjoy. We hope everyone will come out and cheer on the ducks and experience all the natural beauty the park has to offer.”

Emergency Music Service will rock the park throughout the day with DJ and emcee services.

Wheely Good Food Truck will have a variety grilled sandwiches,  fries, and other sides, and TasteTations by Tan will offer Italian ice.

Don’t forget to commemorate your fun-filled day with a duck race t-shirt from Ink It Promotional Products.

There’s only one way to win those cash prizes in the duck race; you have to buy a ticket. Duck tickets are $5 each,  a quack pack of 5 for $20,  a firequacker of 10 for $40, and a flock of 25 for $100.  Everyone is encouraged to buy tickets in advance, at the RiverPark gate, Cooleemee Town Hall, Davie County Chamber of Commerce, and Davie County Community Park. You do not have to be present to win, but you must show your numbered ticket stub to collect your prize.

Duck tickets will also be sold until  12:40 p.m. at RiverPark. The duck race begins at 1.

RiverPark is at the end of Erwin Temple Church Road (just ½ mile from Cooleemee into Rowan County off NC 801 & Needmore Road).

“If you love the Bullhole and want to see it remain open, clean, and safe, show your support and purchase a duck today,” Moore said.

Learn more about this event at https://www.facebook.com/riverparkatcooleemeefalls/.