ESTEVAN - The Estevan Humane Society has started selling tickets for one of its top fundraisers of the year – the Judy Martin Memorial Duck Derby.
The fifth annual event will happen on Sept. 12 in the free park area of Woodlawn Regional Park. Rubber ducks will be dropped using a piece of heavy equipment from the Highway 47 bridge into the Souris River below, and then they will float a short distance down the river towards the finish line.
The owner of the first duck to cross the line will win half of the jackpot, with the other half going to the operations of the humane society’s animal shelter.
Board president Tayja Zimmerman said they are excited that people will be able to attend this year’s Duck Derby, after last year’s event was held virtually.
In addition to the duck derby, there will be food trucks, bouncy castles and other attractions during the afternoon.
Zimmerman expects people will be present from noon to 3 p.m.
Tickets went on sale on Friday, giving the humane society a little more than two weeks to sell all 2,000 tickets. If it is a sellout, then the winner and the humane society will each receive $10,000.
Last year’s duck derby sold out for the first time.
“I think every year it grows, and I think the knowledge of what it is and what we do is helping to grow it as well. And it’s a nice little fundraiser that is the one and only of its kind in this area, so it’s something different that was brought to Estevan.”
It’s also a lot of fun watching the ducks get dropped, and seeing if yours is the one that crosses the finish line first.
Zimmerman said the last 18 months have been tough on the humane society. They haven’t been able to hold their traditional fundraisers that allow them to keep the shelter’s doors open. Needs for animals have also been “astronomical.”
“We’ve been at capacity for cats since May. It’s been super tough on us to try to get cats adopted, and we’re getting way more calls for cats than we have homes for,” she said.
There have been a couple of medical issues that have been quite expensive. The humane society raised funds for those in the community, and they’re grateful for the support.
Between the shelter and foster homes, Zimmerman believes the humane society currently has around 60 cats. And there are six or seven dogs.
The humane society hopes that with the end of summer, it will attract a few more people looking to adopt.
The humane society is looking forward to hosting the fundraiser, and seeing all of their supporters gather together on Sept. 12. They have a few new fundraisers that they will be bringing to Estevan in the near future, but not until after the Duck Derby is finished.
Tickets are available at the shelter, by talking to board members, through the humane society’s Facebook page or by visiting local businesses.
