Entertainment
Ken-Ducky Derby Saturday
By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor
For the 11th year in a row, more than 2,000 rubber duckies will make their way through the Barbourville Water Park’s lazy river Saturday for the annual Ken-Ducky Derby and this year, the KCEOC benefit will include even more prizes and a free day at the water park for all attendees.
The duck race is the biggest annual fundraiser for KCEOC (Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council), which uses money raised to fund projects such as Headstart pre-kindergarten, a women and children’s shelter, affordable housing and other Knox County programs.
Numbered ducks can be purchased for $5 a piece, and the duck that crosses the finish line first will win for its owner a $5,000 prize package that includes $3,000 cash and $2,000 in merchandise.
Though only four prizes were given away last year, Saturday’s derby will reward 11 racers.
Second prize is $2,000 cash and $1,000 in merchandise. Third place is a $1,000 prize package to Wold Creek Lodge in Mason, Ohio, and fourth through 10th place finishers will win a $100 cash prize. The very last duck to cross the finish line also wins a $100 prize for its owner.
Brendia Moses, public resource coordinator for KCEOC, has organized the Ken-Ducky Derby since its inception, and said the concept was “borrowed” from another agency that held a similar race in Texas.
KCEOC has 3,000 available ducks for sponsorship, and sold 2,100 of them in 2007.
Moses hopes to top that number this year after adding more prizes and renting out the entire waterpark to offer the water rides for free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., children 18 and younger will be treated to a free lunch. Other events include free inflatable games, various children’s game booths and a concession stand selling funnel cakes and drinks.
Ducks can be purchased until just before race time at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Moses said the community is always eager to support the event because many see first-hand KCEOC’s work in the community.
“People know the proceeds go to a good cause and they can see the money go right back into the community,” Moses said. “We fed 1,600 kids today (Monday) in summer feeding program.”
Major sponsors are the Barbourville Women’s Junior Study Club, Union College, Vangent, Gordon Food Service, Wal-Mart of Barbourville, Union National Bank, the Barbourville Mountain Advocate, Edward D. Jones Financial Services and Mix 96.
KCEOC’s women’s shelter is also sponsoring a fundraiser this week. On Thursday, it will hold its first ever Hannah Montana look-a-like and dance contests for girls ages 5-15. The contest begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Knox County Middle School in Barbourville, and a $10 entry fee will get a girl into both contests. Girls will be vying for two $100 value prize packages awarded in each contest, with a total of $400 in Hannah Montana merchandise given away. Thursday’s winners will be honored at the Ken-Ducky Derby, Moses said.
For more information, about either fundraiser event, contact KCEOC at 546-3152.
To reserve your duck, call KCEOC or visit online at www.kenduckyderby.org.
- Entertainment
-
-
Gusto bringing ‘Odd Couple’ to London
“The Odd Couple” opens Thursday for a two-weekend run at London’s Gusto Theatre.
-
Blessid Union of Souls performing April 24 at the Arena
Tickets go on sale this Friday for pop/rock group Blessid Union of Souls, who will be performing Saturday, April 24, at the Arena at The David L. Williams Southeastern KY Ag & Expo Complex.
-
Puppet theater coming to Union
The Fine Arts Association of Southeastern Kentucky, Inc. presents Wood and Strings Theatre — The Art of the Puppet at 7:30 p.m. this Thursday at the Conway Boatman Chapel at Union College in Barbourville.
-
‘Blooming with Good Health’ walk kicks off Redbud Month
Special to
The Times-Tribune
April is Redbud Month in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (Tour SEKY) along with Rockcastle County Tourism, Rockcastle Regional and the Christian Appalachian Project will kick off Redbud month April 1st, with the 4th annual “Blooming with Good Health” Awareness Walk.
The walk is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kentucky’s Music Hall of Fame at Renfro Valley.
The first 500 participants will receive free gifts including a tote bag, pedometer, walking stick, cookbook, redbud seedlings and a healthy lunch from the Mount Vernon Subway. Free jump ropes will also be available for the children. Walkers can choose from a one- or two-mile path. They will receive free health tips at stations along the way. A wheelchair/stroller route is available. The walk is free and will be held rain or shine.
For more information about the walk and Redbud Month, contact Maggie Bill at 606-677-6093 or mbill@tourseky.com.
The Redbud Trails program was created in 2004 to encourage and promote tourism in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
More than 400,000 Redbud trees and seedlings have been planted in Tour’s 47 county service area and an additional 40,000 will be planted in 2010. Schools, non-profit organizations and Community Leaders have all participated in the redbud seedling giveaways and plantings.
Tour SEKY’s mission is to educate, expand, develop and market the existing and potential tourism industry throughout southern and eastern Kentucky, while contributing to the economic, cultural growth, health and awareness, and overall quality of life of the region. For additional information about Tour SEKY, visit www.tourseky.com, or call 606-677-6093. - TNA Wrestling coming to Arena
-
From Cetus to Cassiopeia: Star party draws sky gazers to Cumberland Falls
Drawing gasps and exclamations from admirers, the moon was the top celebrity during Saturday’s Star Party at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park.
-
Corbin teachers publish story collection
Three long-time Corbin teachers and friends have collaborated on a new self-published book, “The View from the Top of My Glasses,” which shares the funny, heartwarming and sobering stories of education.
-
Union Valentines concert
Union College will host “A Valentine Concert: A Sentimental Evening,” Saturday at 8 p.m. in Conway Boatman Chapel on the Union campus in Barbourville.
-
Gusto announces Feb. schedule
-
Finding Nemo at The Arena
Colorful ocean creatures from a well-known children�s story will glide across the ice at The Arena later this week.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
