]The Grand Valley Lions will host their 20th annual duck race on May 23, welcoming up to 2,000 visitors to the community.
This year, organizers have 45 prizes totalling $10,581 for the duck race and a duck ticket is still $5. There is a full day of activities planned around the race, starting with a community breakfast at 8am.
Schedule of events
The Grand Valley Lions Community Breakfast, from 8 to 11am at the Community Centre, is free but donations accepted.
Also starting at 8am is the Grand Valley Horticultural Society’s annual plant sale on Amaranth Street East, as well as various garage sales throughout Grand Valley (last year there were 20 to 30), and Grand Valley Public Library’s yard sales (until 1pm).
At 10am the Grand Valley SkatePark committee hosts a bike contest at the community centre.
At noon 12 activities start at Hereward Park, including a bouncy castle, face painting, prizes at the Grand Valley Lions Duck pond and duck hats for children, cookies, a children’s play area, pony rides, a dunk tank, live music with Kara Shaw of Fergus, a zumba demonstration by Amanda Phillips and food and refreshments.
At 2pm the main event kicks off with the help of Grand Valley Crane Rental, which will drop the race ducks just east of the Main Street Bridge; they will finish in Hereward Park.
Tickets are available at most Grand Valley merchants; in Orangeville at Brampton Plumbing and Hyde-Whipp Heating and Air Conditioning; in Shelburne at Mac’s Milk; and in Centre Wellington at Universal Rental in Fergus and the Belwood Country Market.
Later on the annual spaghetti supper will be held at the Anglican Church from 5 to 7pm ($10 per person) and a “Duck Dance” at the community centre at 9pm ($10 per person) with proceeds going to the local skate park.
