On May 3, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Duck Derby festival, hosted by the Bryant Rotary Club every year, was in action at Mills Park in Bryant. The Rubber Duck Derby was created to raise funds for local nonprofits such as The Rotary Kids Closet, Bryant Youth Association and Imagination Library at Saline County. Admission to attend the Duck Derby Festival is free. 

Before the rubber duck race began, the Duck Derby Dash 5k started at 8 a.m. Afterwards, a kid’s zone and game zone openedto the public. These zones were filled with jump houses, carnival games—all of which are free—and loads of prizes. Additionally, there were multiple food trucks lined up for the lunchtime crowd. Finally, at 12 p.m., the rubber ducks were set to race to the finish line. 

The rubber ducks were labeled with a number that matches the ticket of the adopter. 5000 adopted ducks raced down a man-made river, and the top 10 ducks that won received prizes, valued around 500 dollars. 

The winners and the prizes they received are as follows:

1st place: Ed & Vicky Fain – $1,500

2nd Place: Richardson Engineering – $750

3rd Place: Kim Hill – Exquisite Jewelry from Baker’s Fine Jewelry

4th Place: Jacob Baggett – $500 Visa Card from First Security Bank

5th Place: Mike Rushing – One Year Car Wash package from Splash

6th Place: Carolyn Adcock – Chicken Salad Chick for a year

7th Place: Kim Hill – Camper Rental for 1 week from Suite Spot

8th Place: Brook Plack – Chick-Fil-A for a year

9th Place: Mark Prewett – Local Restaurants Package (Many gift cards)

10th Place: David & Sue Cidera – Dewalt Power Tool Package