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Participants Flock to Rubber Duck Derby and Egg Hunt

Adopted Duck Purchased by Rick Arnold Wins Top Prize

By Michael P. Neufeld
Sunday, April 12, 2009

Crestline, CA - Two thousand pink, blue and yellow ducks came down Lake Gregory's water slide yesterday at the Rubber Duck Derby. And the first duck to cross the finish line (Number 33) was adopted by Rick Arnold.

The top prize in the Rubber Duck Derby, held Saturday at Lake Gregory Regional Park, went to duck #33. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Over 1,000 persons rushed into the derby and Easter Egg Hunt area at Lake Gregory Regional Park to witness the release of the rubber ducks and collect candy-filled eggs.

Twins Garrett and Austin Schmid, 12, were the only winners present following the Rubber Duck Derby. They won a gift certificate to Dave's Viking Auto in Rimforest. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Adoptions were accepted until just minutes before the Rubber Duck Derby. Sales the day of the event pushed the total number of rubber ducks sold to support Crestline area projects and events over the 2,000 mark.

Last minute adoptions of rubber ducks pushed the final total to 2,000 in the Rubber Duck Derby at Lake Gregory Regional Park. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The winning duck, number 33, was adopted by Rick Arnold and his yellow duck took home the top prize of $500. Second place went to Lewis Murray whose duck won him a romantic night at Bracken Fern Manor Bread and Breakfast, a dinner valued at $75 and a pamper yourself gift basket by Skin Care by Karen.

The top prize in the Rubber Duck Derby at Lake Gregory was won by Rick Arnold as his yellow duck crossed the finish line first. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Other prizes went to the top eight finishers with items donated by the Borderline Restaurant, Lake Gregory Trading Post, Not Too Shabby, Davis Auto Body, Ty and Company, Woody's Boat House, Dave's Viking Auto, Trinket Trader, Carla Straub and Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins.

Cash and prizes for the Rubber Duck Derby are displayed by 7-year-old Brian Wilt from Valley of Enchantment. The bunny was crafted by Jim Huff in Huffpetto's Workshop. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The event wasn't without its high drama as the last place duck—adopted by Joe Lombardo—got stuck just off the water slide and never entered Lake Gregory. Lifeguards Adam and Torrey Jones came to the rescue.

Lake Gregory lifeguards--Torrey and Adam Jones--helped rescue rubber ducks during the Rubber Duck Race on Saturday. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Mountain Communities Boys and Girls Club spokesperson Nancy Marvich was elated with the turnout for the Easter Egg Hunt that preceded the Rubber Duck Derby.

"This is awesome," Marvich stated before allowing youngsters to begin collecting eggs.

Nancy Marvich (right) and Joanne Romero from the Mountain Communities Boys and Girls Club lead over 1,000 people into the Easter Egg Hunt area at Lake Gregory Regional Park. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Hundreds of children stood in line as last minute instructions were announced before heading to the "official" Easter Egg Hunt site. Over 2,000 plastic eggs filled with goodies were quickly collected by the children carrying Easter colorful baskets and some even wearing bunny ears!

Crestline residents Caspian Renkenberger and Lindsay Hughes, both 8, collected their fair share of Easter Eggs. Caspian shared his yellow eggs with Lindsay because yellow is her favorite color! (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The huge turnout of participants pushed up against yellow caution tape awaiting the word to begin their hunt for eggs.

Over 1,000 people showed up for the Rubber Duck Derby and Easter Egg Hunt at Lake Gregory Regional Park. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Organizers were amazed that despite the bitter cold weather, hundreds of parents and children braved the elements to join the family fun day at Lake Gregory Regional Park.

Plastic eggs filled with goodies are displayed by Nathyn Stealey from Crestline. The four-year-old was able to collect a good number of eggs during the hunt organized by the Mountain Communities Boys & Girls Club. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

This article was first published on Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 5:51 am. This article has been viewed 1227 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.