Domestic Harmony hosts annual Duck Derby Saturday
Saturday, Domestic Harmony will hold its 27th Annual Duck Derby at Mrs. Stock’s Park in Hillsdale, where 3,500 ducks will be sent down the river in a race.
This year, there will be a pancake breakfast beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a special renaming of the Duck Derby and tree planting at 9:45 a.m. in honor of Kristin Lucas, the founder of Domestic Harmony, who recently passed away.
Hannah Jordan is the executive director of Domestic Harmony, a non-profit organization that provides housing and support for survivors of domestic abuse. She said she looks forward to appreciating and honoring Lucas’ legacy.
“This year is extra special because we renamed the event to The Kristin Lucas Memorial Duck Derby to honor our founder Kristin Lucas who passed away last year,” Jordan said, “Kristin was not only an incredible leader for Domestic Harmony, but a great leader in our community. She may not be with us anymore, but we will make sure her work always continues.”
The pancake breakfast is a new addition to the event. A statement from Domestic Harmony thanked the many local businesses that helped put it together.
“There will be delicious eggs donated from Kuster’s Dairy, pancakes from the Local Eatery, sausage from M&M Smokehouse, coffee from Jilly Beans, and water from Heffernan’s Water,” the statement read.
This is the first year the event will be held in Mrs. Stock’s Park. Following the breakfast and tree planting, the duck race will begin at 10 a.m.
For the last two years, Domestic Harmony has sold raffle tickets for the ducks in the duck race.
This year, the owners of the first 22 ducks to cross the finish line will receive a prize that has been donated by community members and businesses. The grand prize is $500 cash, with other prizes ranging from gift cards to a free oil change.
Jesco Industries, Inc. is a local family-owned business and is one of the sponsors of the Duck Derby, and has been since 1997.
Bonny DesJardin, president of Jesco Industries Inc. said the business is happy to continue its legacy of sponsorship.
“We know recent years have been especially tough on nonprofits and it is very important to support those organizations who do so much for Hillsdale County,” DesJardin said.
Jordan said she is thankful for the community support and looks forward to seeing the community participate in the event.
“A lot of our work is hidden due to safety concerns so this is a time we get to be out in the community bringing awareness to domestic violence and having an event that encourages everyone to join us!” Jordan said, “We invite everyone to come to Mrs. Stocks park on July 16 and have breakfast with us and then cheer the ducks on down the river!”
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Domestic Harmony hosts annual Duck Derby Saturday
