Great Duck Derby takes place at Pomme De Terre

HICKORY COUNTY, Mo.-Today was a big day at Pomme De Terre lake, celebrating the Fourth of July on the water.

Chip Shaddox is the Treasurer for the chamber and helped organize the derby.

While fireworks at the lake has happened for quite some time, the duck derby is something new and growing every year.

The Pomme de Terre Chamber of Commerce hosted the Great Duck Derby and fireworks on the lake.

“It’s grown each, Business ducks have really grown each year, but we’ve had a lot more people show up to watch,” Shaddox said. “They line up and down the shoreline here and we do this all right before we do our fireworks event at the dam.”

Hundreds of ducks were dropped into the river this afternoon during the duck derby. To be in the race, participants bought tickets ahead of time. Half of the proceeds from the duck race will be split between 30% for first, 15% for second and 5% for the third place duck.

“We drop the Ducks from right below the dam and they travel down, and the first winner receives half of the price it cost to get the duck,” Shaddox said. “Which the business duck this year got $1,150.”

The remaining half will go back into firework funds, which helps put on fireworks over the water.

Travis Jones is from Collins, which is just about 15 miles away, and came out to this event for the first time this year.

“You know, watching the bounce houses, face paintings and, you practice little cornhole, and socialized with some new people,” Jones said.

While the holiday weekend is almost over, those at the lake want to remind people to never set off fireworks on their boats.

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