On a balmy Saturday afternoon, with the Wallkill River as the backdrop, the Duck Derby in Wallkill was getting underway at Popp Park.

The derby was a culmination with months of preparation by Vision of Wallkill’s volunteers. Hundreds of people from all around the Hudson Valley came to support this inaugural charity event. While waiting for the duck launch at 3 p.m., dozens of families played games under Popp Park pavilion. One could spin the wheel at the Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan for a prize, buy a homemade brownie or cupcake from the Sr. Celebration Committee or visit the many Vision of Wallkill tables for T-shirts, aprons, games and of course, tickets to Adopt a Duck. Then you could walk to the food truck to nosh on classic favorites and soak in the view on the Riverwalk green while a DJ played music to liven the celebration.

Teams from Wallkill Hook, Ladder and Hose Company, Walden Fire Department and Water Rescue, Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Town of Shawangunk Police Department were in place. The kayakers and boaters were on the river and they secured the boom to help keep the ducks from floating down the river. After the launch of the ducks at 3:01 p.m., the river current and the wind had something else planned for the ducks - the ducks ended up in a cove on the east side of the river. The experienced water team were able to corral all the ducks and relocate them for a restart. Spectators joined near the river front to peer upstream, looking for the ducks floating down the river. Soon the ducks were crossing the finish line and they were then caught in nets to prevent the ducks from flowing downstream.

The Duck Derby was sponsored by Vision of Wallkill in collaboration with Sr. Celebration Committee from Wallkill High School. The funds raised will be split with the Sr. Celebration Committee to support the events they offer for the Senior Class. Vision of Wallkill will use some of their funds from the event to offer 2 scholarships to graduating Wallkill Seniors who have given back to the community by volunteering their time to help at past VOW events. This is the first year that VOW will be offering scholarships and will continue to offer scholarships in the years to come. The remaining funds will be used towards future events sponsored by VOW.

This past weekend’s fun family-friendly event is just one of many that are taking place this season in the Wallkill Hamlet. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events and contests:

Art Along the Sidewalk Contest, ending June 7
Plein Air Art Session at Lippincott Manor, Saturday July 9

Rhythm on the River Summer Concert Series, performances every Thursday at 7 p.m. from July 14 to August 11

Weekend of Wallkill and Art Show & Contest, September 23 and 24

For more information about Vision of Wallkill and events, or to be a part of this great team, visit our Facebook page, or call/text: 845-527-6230.