The community is invited to take part in the annual, fun-filled festivities that raise funds for a special cause.
The Duck Derby Festival, benefitting the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center, will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lower Lake Recreation Area.
The community-based event is free to attend and offers a wide variety of activities, including games, food, entertainment, and more, promising an enjoyable experience for families and community members of all ages.
One of the main attractions of the event is the duck race, where participants can adopt rubber ducks to compete. Each adopted duck is assigned a unique number corresponding to the individual who purchased it. During the event, the ducks are released into the Caddo River at the Lower Lake in what is known as the “duck drop.” The ducks then float along a designated course, and the first 10 ducks to cross the finish line are declared the winners.
Prizes for the race vary each year and provide an added incentive for participation. This year’s prizes include a $1,000 grand prize, a two-night stay at Beaumont Cottages at Petit Jean, a PlayStation 5, family fun packages for Little Rock and Hot Springs, a $500 Brookshire’s gift card, a $250 Walmart gift card, Beats Studio Pro headphones, a 120-quart Coleman ice chest with a tabletop grill, two bag chairs with a canopy tent, and a date night package.
Festival attendees may also see well-known community members, such as Sheriff Jason Watson, Dr. Derrick Ross and Dr. Scott Byrd, participating in the dunking booth, adding an extra layer of fun and community engagement to the event.
All funds raised from the Duck Derby Festival benefit the Percy and Donna Malone Child Safety Center and support its mission to provide help, healing, and hope to children who have experienced abuse.
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