27th Annual Ralph Hogancamp Memorial Duck Race Set to Splash Down in Ludlow on August 15 Beloved community tradition celebrates Rotary’s 100th anniversary with special cash giveaways and proceeds benefiting Plymouth Fire & EMS LUDLOW, VT — Get ready to cheer on your favorite plastic feathered friends! The Ludlow Rotary Club is thrilled to announce the return of a signature summer favorite: the 27th Annual Ralph Hogancamp Memorial Duck Race, taking place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 12 noon. This year's event holds extra significance as the Ludlow Rotary Club celebrates a historic milestone—100 years of community service. To mark this centennial anniversary, the club is adding an exciting twist to ticket sales, giving buyers one more way to win cash before the race even starts. The Great Race: From Depot Street to Walker Bridge On Saturday, August 15, hundreds of yellow rubber ducks will be dropped from the Depot Street Bridge into the Black River. Spectators are encouraged to line the Walker Bridge on RTE 103 to cheer on their duckies as they float down the river toward the finish line (located near Elm and Main Streets). How to Adopt Your Ducks & Win Big Single duck tickets are just $5, or you can maximize your chances with a "Quack Pack" of 5 ducks for $20. Tickets can be purchased directly online or visit Ludlow Insurance, M&T Bank, Benson’s Chevrolet or Fletcher Memorial Library. • Race Prizes: Cash will be awarded to the sponsors of the first three ducks to cross the finish line. Best of all, even the very last little ducky to drift across pays out, so every duck is in the running until the very end! • Centennial "100th Ticket" Bonus: In honor of 100 years of service, the Ludlow Rotary Club is giving away a cash bonus to the buyer of a random milestone ticket. If you are dealt ticket number 100, you automatically win a cash prize of $100 on the spot—meaning you're in the money even if your duck decides to take a leisurely swim! Supporting Our Local Heroes Every year, the Duck Race raises vital funds for local organizations, and this year’s designated beneficiary is the Plymouth Fire & EMS. By purchasing a duck, you are directly supporting the volunteer first responders who keep our communities safe. Corporate Sponsorships Available Local businesses and organizations looking to show their support can purchase a Corporate Duck Sponsorship for $50. Corporate ducks are a fantastic, highly visible way to show community spirit and support both the Rotary and Plymouth Fire & EMS. Don't wait until they're all sold out—adopt your ducks today, support a wonderful local cause, and join us on August 15 to see who takes home the glory! For tickets, corporate sponsorships, and more information, please call Sharon Bixby at 802-228-8823 or visit www.ludlowrotary.com. |
