Second annual Duck Derby ready to make a splash in Paris

Paris Independent Staff

Hundreds of bright yellow ducks will once again take over the Nith River as the Rotary Satellite Club of Paris brings its Duck Derby back to Lions Park for a second year.

The second annual Duck Derby takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the ducks hitting the water at 3 p.m.

While the race is the main attraction, organizers have planned a full afternoon of family-friendly activities leading up to the big event. The day will feature food trucks, vendors, live music, face painting, a colouring activity and a 50/50 draw.

Then, at 3 p.m., attention will turn to the river as the field of rubber ducks is released and begins its race toward the finish line.

There is more than bragging rights on the line for the owners of the fastest ducks. The first-place duck will earn its owner a $1,500 prize, while the second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-place finishers will each receive $250.

Ducks cost $12 each or five for $50 and can be purchased online through the QR code provided by organizers (shown to the right).

The event follows a successful inaugural Duck Derby in 2025, when the Paris community turned out in force for the Rotary Satellite Club’s new fundraiser.

All 800 ducks available for the first race sold out, helping the club raise $10,404 for local causes. Proceeds were directed back into the community, including support for The Raw Carrot, Brant Food 4 Thought and the Brant Waterways Foundation.

This year’s derby is presented with support from featured sponsor Cobblestone Medicine and Rehab. Gold sponsors are Pinevest Homes and River Realty, with The Fit Effect participating as a silver sponsor. Bronze sponsors include The Arlington, Little Paris Bread Co. and Johnny Greekos.

With another afternoon of entertainment planned and thousands of dollars in race prizes up for grabs, organizers are hoping the second annual derby will make an even bigger splash while once again raising money to support the community.