By Edd Davis

ed@athensnews-courier.com

All is quiet now save for the occasional quacking demand for a sliver of bread from a Big Spring Memorial Park feathered floater. But that all changes Saturday October 4 at 4 p.m. when the real daffy ducks make way for their bright-yellow rubber counterparts in the annual Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby.

Have you “adopted” your ducks, yet?

Can’t go wrong for a tax-deductible $5 each. When you consider the adoption could bring you a cool $1,000 cash prize, it’s really an investment. Ducks are available for adoption at Railroad Bazaar, Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, Compass Bank, Dub’s, The News Courier and West End Outdoors – Chevron.

“We also encourage people to drop by, see our new offices and adopt their ducks on East Street at the College Inn building,” said Lynne Hart, KALB executive coordinator. It’s just a few steps from Big Spring Park.

Duck adoption forms are also available online at www.KeepAthensLimestoneBeautiful.com.

Whether you adopt from a participating sponsor or online you do not have to be present at the derby to win a prize.

And Hart said the prizes just keep getting better each year. “I can’t say enough nice things about the businesses that donate them, especially the folks at IN2 Wireless/Verizon and Railroad Bazaar for the $1,000 grand prize,” she said.

Here’s a quick rundown of what your $5 donation per duck could get you:

• One of nine $100 cash prizes donated by McClary Ford, Athens-Limestone Hospital, Athens State University, The News Courier, Crews, Inc., Athens-Limestone Recycling Center, Latham, Moffatt, & Wise Attorneys, William Pepper Insurance Agency and Dubois Properties.

• A $250 gift certificate from Osborne Jewelers

• A $100 gift certificate from Hobbs Jewelry

• Two three-month memberships to the Wellness Center