GUERNSEY – Rubber duckie you’re the one, you make Duck Daze lots of fun,
rubber duckie I’m awfully fond of you. To quote a well-known ‘70s song with a Guernsey twist.

Let the quacking, or squeaking begin. Aug. 21 the Platte River will be the regatta for rubber ducks sold by the Guernsey Economic Development Committee.

The day will kick off with the 5K Duck Dash registration at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Heimbuck West Park on the west side of Guernsey. The entry fee is $10 and T-shirts can also be purchased. The race will commence at 8 a.m.

The racers should be able to finish the race in plenty of time to see their ducks go into the Platte River on their annual migration from the west Platte River bridge to south Platte River bridge where they will be harvested and the winning duck will be announced.

You can purchase ducks at participating businesses and at City Hall and enter them into the great Duck Daze race. You can purchase single ducks or purchase a “Quack Pack” of ducks to enter into this year’s migratory swim from bridge to bridge. Quack packs are $25 in which you will get 5 ducks. You cannot purchase single ducks. 1200 ducks will be sold.

The ducks will be dropped into the river at 10:30 a.m. and will swim the 16-minute distance before being scooped out of the river. 

From 11-2 the farmers market will open and there will also be a beer garden for those who are of legal drinking age.

Activities in Gordon Davis Park will include music, food and beer vendors, kids’ games and cornhole.

The daytime activities give way to Casino Night sponsored by the Guernsey Volunteer Fire Department.

The Guernsey Volunteer Fire Department began having a Casino Night in 2014 to replace the fireman’s Ball. This the department’s main fundraising event. 

“This money is used for needs not covered by our budget from the town,” said Guernsey fire chief, Jeff Thomas. “Unfortunately, we were unable to have this event last year due to Covid restrictions, so our funds our running a little low. This year our event will be held at the VFW from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. with an auction starting at 9 p.m.” 

The evening will include black jack, Texas hold ‘em, craps, and hors d’ oeuvres.  The group is working on adult beverages at this time but are not sure of the outcome as of yet. At the end of the evening winnings can be used to bid on items that have been donated from different businesses from Platte County. 

“We would also ask that if anyone of the age of 18 and up who would be interested in volunteering as a firefighter, please come to one of or meetings held the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Guernsey Fire Department or join us at Casino Night,” said Thomas.