Published: April 17, 2008 02:43 am      

Great East Texas Duck Race set for takeoff Saturday

Event to benefit Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties

LAKE JACKSONVILLE — It’s the grudge match of the year, folks.

Jacksonville’s own rubber ducks Webbagail “Daffydil” Duck and Howard “Poinduxter” Duck — no relation — are ready to shake their tail feathers on Lake Jacksonville this Saturday to see who the best duck on the lake is.

“I’ve been working really hard to get in shape, mentally and physically,” Webbagail said. “My trainers and I have mapped out every possible route the race might take on Lake Jacksonville.

“The hydrilla isn’t going to be a problem. I understand the city has worked hard to keep it to a minimum, if not remove it altogether, and they’ve done a fine job.”

Howard Duck isn’t letting alleged performance enhancement rumors break his stride.

“Let me be clear, the answer is ‘no.’ I did not use steroids, or duck growth hormone and I’ve never done so,” Howard said. “I did not provide Brian McNa... uh, my trainer with any drugs to inject into my body.”

Race events start at 9 a.m. with music, kids fair, chili cook-off and auto show. The race itself will start at noon Saturday.

“This is going to be a fun day for the family, and it’s a great way that each community member can help us in the fight to end child abuse in this community,” said Reachell Marsh, a representative of the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee Counties in Jacksonville.

Race fans are still able to adopt a racer in the event.

“You’ll be able to sponsor a racer on the day of the race, up until race time. You can also sponsor a duck on line at www.duckrace.com/jacksonville,” Marsh said.

Adopt a duck for $5; adopt a Daffy pack (five ducks) for $22.50; or adopt a flock of 12 ducks for $50.

“We remind those wanting to sponsor ducks that they tend to swim faster as a family,” Crisis Center Director Roger Pharr joked.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Instant winners will be called for ducks “plucked from the flock” during the race. A “dead duck” prize will be awarded for the duck in last place. Prize winners will not have to be present at the race to win.

Prizes include two nights at the Victorian Inn in Galveston; two “Queen” nights at the Horseshoe Inn Bed and Breakfast on Lake Jacksonville; a $100 gift card from Wal-Mart; dinner for two at Stacey’s Barbecue; two tickets to Six Flags; 23 free rentals from Blockbuster Video; $13 gift certificate from Nails by Rose; free dinner from El Chico’s in Tyler; a 420 gift card to The Diner in Tyler; a $25 gift card from Brookshire Bros.; a $25 gift card for cleaning from Gray Cleaners; six medium pizzas from Pizza Hut; and duck race memento watches.

The Rubber Ducky Chili Cook-off also will be going on at the lake concession area, with tasting bowls available for sampling the work. The chili cook-off is affiliated with CASI-Chili Appreciation Society International, whose mission is to “Cook Chili for Charity.”

Cook-off events scheduled include the CASI Chili competition, a CASI Showmanship and a People’s Choice Award. Public admission is $3 and includes a tasting cup, spoon and ballots for the much coveted People’s Choice Award.

Other events planned on race day include music by local artists and groups, food vendors and even a classic car show.

“There will even be a group of special restored cars for viewing,” said Marsh. “We wanted there to be something out there for everyone. The important thing is that this all is being done to help the hundreds of children in Cherokee County alone who are hurt and betrayed by those that they trusted. That alone is worth the time and effort of putting this together.”

The idea of the race was brought to the Crisis Center by Susan Waller and Marci Jenkins of Waller Broadcasting.

“They were excited about the possibility of this being a big, fun way to help our kids,” Pharr said. “They had flyers and brochures and videos of other races. Their enthusiasm was contagious enough that we were sold on the idea and began working with them to make it happen.”

The day’s events benefit the Crisis Centers efforts to help child abuse victims by utilizing licensed professional counseling and therapy, as well as assist in the prosecution of child predators.

Sponsors include Jacksonville Daily Progress, Waller Broadcasting, Austin Bank, East Texas Medical Center, or log on to www.duckrace.com/jacksonville to adopt a duck on line.

According to the Crisis Center’s records, in 2007, 175 child abuse victims were brought in for forensic interviews at the Crisis Center. Over 3,000 children were helped through counseling, safe shelter and advocacy.