Right Around the River Blog

Rocketts Landing Wins Big at Duck Race

Post Date: 08-15-2012

Last Saturday, thousands of ducks landed at Rocketts Landing -- and we couldn’t have been more excited for their arrival. Of course, we weren't overtaken by real waterfowl, but rather little rubber duckies that floated down the James River as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters 23rd Annual Duck Race.

The weather was a little rainy, but that didn’t stop more than 4,000 people from gathering at Rocketts Landing to enjoy live music, fencing demonstrations, dance performances, juggling, bouncy inflatables and more — all capped off by the duck race.

At 5 p.m., a crane dropped 15,000 rubber ducks into the river for their 1/8-mile float to the finish. For about 20 minutes, the wind blew, the crowd cheered and the ducks bobbed down the James River. And when the first duck crossed the finish line, we were thrilled to learn that Rocketts Landing resident Merrick Avery won the grand prize!

After learning that she’d just won a 2012 Nissan Versa, Avery’s first thought was, “You’re joking right?!” While she had purchased ducks for the past six races because she enjoys supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, she was shocked to win a prize — let alone a new car. We understand her excitement and surprise!

Here at Rocketts Landing, we already felt like we’d won the jackpot getting to host this awesome event, and we were happy to see how many residents supported Big Brothers Big Sisters’ largest fundraiser by purchasing ducks. But, to have one of them win was the icing on the cake!

According to Mark Bowen, manager of marketing and corporate relations for Big Brothers Big Sisters Richmond, the organization was as pleased with the event as we were. He’s already plotting ways to make next year’s fundraiser even more fun and said, “If Rocketts Landing will continue to have us, our plan is to continue to have it at Rocketts Landing.”

Another opportunity to raise money for a great cause, host a party and (fingers crossed) help a Rocketts Landing resident win a new car — sounds just ducky!