By Jack Marflak
The sixth annual Incredible Duck Race will return to Kearny this Saturday, Sept. 19, bringing a day of live music, food, children’s activities and the event’s signature duck race to Veterans Row.
Hosted by the Kearny-Belleville Elks Lodge #1050, the free, family-friendly event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will raise money for local programs serving community members, veterans, children with special needs and New Jersey Gold Star families.
Now in its sixth year, the Incredible Duck Race has grown from a local fundraiser into a larger community event that organizers say has attracted more than 3,000 people in previous years.
“This free, family-friendly community event features live bands, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities and our exciting duck race,” said Melanie Pasquarelli, a past exalted ruler of the Kearny-Belleville Elks Lodge.
Pasquarelli, who also serves as chaplain of the New Jersey State Elks Association, said the event’s larger purpose is raising money for programs throughout the community.
“More importantly, the event raises funds to support our community, veterans, drug awareness initiatives, special children and New Jersey Gold Star families,” she said.
A new addition this year will be a Sensory Friendly Zone at the American Legion, created in partnership with Kean University occupational therapy students. The space is designed to provide a quieter and more accommodating environment for individuals with sensory needs and their families.
Children will also be able to participate in the returning Duck Explorers program, an interactive scavenger hunt that combines activities with educational lessons.
With help from members of the Elks Antlers youth program, children will visit stations addressing topics including patriotism, kindness, drug awareness, stranger safety and recycling. Children who complete the program will be able to decorate a rubber duck and take it home at no charge.
The event will also feature a dunk tank. According to Pasquarelli “The drunk tank funds the North Central District Veterans Committee. Currently we have prominent Elks from around the state who are scheduled to be dunked and they are raising funds online. At the time of my response we have already raised $5451 in donations from individuals supporting them. 100 percent of those proceeds will go towards Veterans and programs to support them.”
According to the Elks, proceeds from last year’s dunk tank enabled the district Veterans Committee to help provide EMT job training for veterans who wanted to expand their employment skills but did not qualify for full funding.
Money raised through the Incredible Duck Race is used by the lodge throughout the year to support a range of local and veterans programs. Those efforts include donations to local food pantries, books and coats for children in need, scholarships for local students and support for the Kearny Giving Tree and Project Graduation.
The lodge also supports KPSUE, Kearny VFW Post 1305 and Kearny VOICE, and provides care packages to hospitalized veterans and assistance to families with special needs.
Other programs help provide furniture and household necessities to veterans transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. Funds also support Elks Camp Moore and the Army of Hope, which assists New Jersey Gold Star families and wounded warriors.
“The impact of the fundraiser continues long after the final duck crosses the finish line. It demonstrates how one day of fun can make a lasting difference,” Pasquarelli said.
The sixth annual Incredible Duck Race will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Veterans Row in Kearny. Admission is free.