WELDON – They’re back!

The duckies have just hatched and are ready to race in the 11th annual Ducky Derby.

On Saturday, August 21 at 2 p.m., adopted duckies will plunge into the Roanoke River at the Wildlife Landing in Weldon to race for prizes.

On the bottom of each duck will be a number that corresponds to the number on an &uot;adoption ticket.&uot;

These tickets may be obtained for $5 from various adoption headquarters and ducky trainers in the Roanoke Valley area.

The Roanoke Valley Chamber office, located at 1640 Julian Allsbrook Highway, is the official Ducky Derby Training Camp.

Proceeds from the derby will benefit the Chamber and Halifax-Warren Smart Start.

The first five ducks to finish the race will win prizes for their adoptive owners (who do not have to be present to win).

Prizes are as follows: 1st place – $1,000 cash, 2nd place – $500 in Chamber gift certificates, 3rd place – $250 in Chamber gift certificates, 4th place – $150 in Chamber gift certificates, and 5th place – $100 in Chamber gift certificates.

The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Halifax-Warren Smart Start, continuing a partnership that promises the best turnout in Ducky Derby history.

Smart Start will feature over 20 exhibitors that will give information on services available for families with young children.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the festival will be in full swing with live music, kids’ games, entertainment, food, and crafts.

The duck race will go hand-in-hand with music by The Switch band and other entertainment, as well as pony rides and a wide variety of foods, snacks, crafts and novelty items from all over the state.

Children of all ages will have an opportunity to win prizes and participate in a variety of games.

One of our most exciting returning entertainers is Kamp Kreatures with live puppet shows.

This performance will entertain kids of all ages!

Professional magicians will also provide entertainment appropriate for children and families with plenty of audience participation in two stage shows, as well as walk-around magic throughout the day.

Also, a scrap-art tent will offer everyone a chance to express their artistic talents and creative personalities with fun-filled projects free of charge. Make plans now to enjoy a day of fun for all ages at the Ducky Derby on Saturday, August 21.

Sponsors for the event are the following: AAA Carolinas, Coastal Lumber Company, Coca-Cola, Daily Herald, Dominion North Carolina Power, Halifax County Tourism Development Authority, Halifax-Warren Smart Start, International Paper, Panda-Rosemary LP, Reser’s Fine Foods, Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Roanoke Valley Energy Faclity, Safelite Auto Glass, Sprint, the Town of Weldon, and radio stations WPTM 102.3 and 99.5 FM.

For more information about the Ducky Derby, please contact the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce at (252) 537-3513 or Halifax-Warren Smart Start at (252) 537-5621.