LOCAL

Dover Duck Derby returns June 29

Staff Writer
Fosters Daily Democrat
The 2nd annual Dover Ducky Derby, a collaborative fundraiser between the Children's Museum of New Hampshire and SEED (The Seacoast Educational Endowment of Dover), will take place on Saturday, June 29 at 1 p.m. during the museum's NH Maker & Food Fest in downtown Dover. [Courtesy photo]

DOVER – The ducks are back! Adorable yellow rubber ducks will go flying off the Washington Street bridge and go racing down the Cocheco River for the 2nd annual Dover Ducky Derby on Saturday, June 29 at 1 p.m.

The Derby is a joint fundraiser between The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire and SEED (Seacoast Educational Endowment for Dover) and proceeds will be split between these two local non-profits to help support their missions.

“The Dover Ducky Derby is a super way to support two local organizations with aligned missions to promote learning,” shared CMNH VP of Development & Community Engagement Paula Rais. “The Children’s Museum of NH is honored to partner again with SEED on the second annual Derby. Individuals and families can participate by ‘adopting’ a duck for only $5! Businesses can participate by ‘adopting’ a gaggle (12) or flock (50) of ducks which will help fund the Children’s Museum’s programs and exhibits, including the upcoming Play Patio expansion.”

The Museum has had a busy 35th anniversary year, and has announced plans to expand an area in front of the museum and develop it into the Play Patio, an outdoor interactive play space that will accommodate messy play with bubbles, water, paint, sensory exploration, and a picnic area.

The Derby will take place during the museum’s annual NH Maker & Food Fest, which takes over the museum, the upper park, stage, and lower park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This ticketed event features makers of all kinds, from engineers to artists, to scientists and chefs, who want to show off what they can do and share their ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness with the public.

Also happening during the Fest is the Recycled River Regatta, which is an engineering challenge open to all ages. Small homemade boats, made out of recycled material, will be launched from the Washington Street Bridge, after the Dover Ducky Derby. Anyone can build a boat, and prizes will be awarded. While tickets are required to explore the Maker Fest, it’s free to watch the Dover Ducky Derby and participate in the Recycled River Regatta. People wishing to see the races can line up along the river behind the museum. “While you are there, we hope you’ll enjoy the food trucks down in that area that will be part of the Maker Fest, but don’t require a ticket to enjoy,” shared Rais.

SEED has recently been able to fund more than $75,000 in grant initiatives ranging from purchasing smart notebooks for middle school math exploration, to flexile seating options for elementary school students, to digital calibers and chrome books for high school science classes.

The first few rubber ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes. Those wanting to participate can “adopt” a duck either online at www.childrens-museum.org, or in person at the Museum. Ducks can also be purchased at the museum on Saturday, June 29th. Adoption fees are $5 for one duck, $50 for a gaggle of 12 ducks, or $100 for a flock of 50 ducks.