The 18th annual Farmers & Merchants Duck Race to benefit non-profit Family Centered Services (FCS) took place on Saturday, August 12. This was the first year Farmers & Merchants Bank was the naming sponsor for the race.
A total of 3,366 ducks floated down a flooded Washington Street as a crowd of approximately 461 spectators watched in anticipation, competing for 25 prize packages ranging from local gift certificates to gift baskets. This year’s grand prize winner of $1,000 was Barbara Barbieri.
Additional prize winners were Brad Fiechter, Jill Shelton, Seth Fiechter, Amanda Butz, Molly Hoag, Kayla Lakey, Steve Ault, Lyn Steffen, Jamie Lemler, Joline Bowman, Abby Moser, Marcia Hotopp, Kelly Goode, Greg Werich, Shirley Harman, Ginny Garwood, Kristy Fisher, Katie Lopolito-Meyer, Ann Eakright, Roger Sherer, James Wilson, Scharna Bendes, Cameron Kohler, and Jennifer Hupfer.
Along with the duck race itself, the event also included foam machines, lifelike dinosaurs, bounce houses, kids’ games, free door prizes, two food trucks, six raffles, and five community partners. Life Community Church, Saint Marks Lutheran Church, and First United Methodist Church were also present to give out shoes and socks to children.
In total, the duck race grossed over $50,000. The funds received will go toward continuing the work of FCS in the community.
FCS, which began in 1990, exists “to strengthen our community by empowering families and youth through services that educate and inspire.” For more information on FCS or the programs they offer, visit fcs-inc.net or call 824-8574. They are located at 1515 N. Sutton Circle, Bluffton.
