The 19th annual First Bank of Berne Duck Race to benefit non-profit Family Centered Services (FCS) took place on Saturday, August 10. This was the first year First Bank of Berne was the naming sponsor for the race.

A total of 4,637 ducks floated down a flooded Washington Street as a crowd of approximately 351 spectators watched in anticipation, competing for 33 prize packages ranging from local gift certificates to gift baskets. This year’s grand prize winner of $1,000 was Chelsa Evick.

Additional prize winners were Doug Gerber, Sydney Bradford, National Oil & Gas, Linda Hausperger, Melissa Thompson, Terri Ehle, Josh Fiechter, Maureen Stettner, Cameron Kohler, Tiffany Schladenhauffen, Kristen Wall, Steve Gerber, Lindsey Eads, Taylor Dotson, Pam Killingbeck, Beth Surfus, Kelly Herndon, Jackie Fiechter, Marcia Hotopp, Kristen Wall, Jeff Miller, Catrina Rinkenberger, Margaret Haupert, Gayla Gerber, Jackie Fiechter, Jarrod Ball, Holly Johnson, Lori Smith, Bekkee Thompson, and Brittany Karns.

Along with the duck race itself, the event also included foam machines, face painting, bounce houses, kids’ games, free door prizes, two food trucks, eight raffles, and six community partners. Life Community Church, Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church, Bluffton First UMC, and Hope Missionary Church were also present with giveaways for school-aged children.

In total, the duck race grossed $55,739. The funds received will go toward continuing the work of FCS in the community.