Clayton News Daily

JONESBORO — Rubber ducks can be so high-maintenance.

A week before the ducks race down a course at the annual Clayton County Court-Appointed Special Advocates Darlin’ Duck Derby fundraiser, volunteers must wash each of them by hand and make sure they are still branded with their race number from the previous year. CASA volunteers must then corral the gaggles of little ducks into plastic containers to prevent them from getting away before race day arrives.

It’s a big elaborate event known as “The Counting of the Flock,” and it serves as the kick-off to a week of duck-related activities building up to the Darlin’ Duck Derby.

The ducks will descend upon Morrow this weekend for this year’s duck-counting event. It will take place Sunday, from 2 p.m., until 4 p.m., at Heritage Cadillac SAAB Mitsubishi, located at 7134 Jonesboro Road, in Morrow. Volunteers who participate in the counting event will have to make sure all 4,000 racing ducks are present and accounted for before duck week begins.

The derby itself, will take place Sept. 29, on the lawn of the Historic Clayton County Courthouse, in downtown Jonesboro. Festivities surrounding the race, including games, food sales and craft booths, will begin at 10 a.m.

People who would like to buy a duck to race in the derby should log onto www.ducksrcoming.com, or call 678-610-1061. Tickets cost $5 per duck, or $25 for a “Six Quack” of ducks.