Winning entry to adorn posters and be feather in artist’s cap
After a decade of supporting the quality of life in Adirondack communities—from Forestport to Long Lake—CAP-21 is launching its first annual Cappy Duck Derby to celebrate its “Duckade of Service.”
The Cappy Duck Derby is scheduled for September 4, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, when 3,000 bright yellow ducks will be launched from the Old Forge bridge into the Moose River.
The sponsor of the first duck to reach the finish line, one-quarter mile away, will win $1,500. The sponsors of the next dozen or so ducks that cross the finish line will also receive prizes provided by regional businesses.
A special yellow duck image will soon be visible on publicity materials throughout the Adirondacks to promote duck adoption sponsors for the Derby. This special duck image will be created by an art student from the Town of Webb School.
On Tuesday, March 29, “Cappy Duck” met with students in Robert Fountain’s art class at school to invite them to submit an image for prospective placement on publicity materials for the event.
The final illustration will be chosen when students vote for their favorite image on Wednesday, May 4. The winning image will appear on all Cappy Duck Derby posters and other promotional materials.
“Cappy Duck’s” costume was also worn in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to publicize the Duck Derby. It was handmade, along with a second duck costume, by Lucy Luce of Old Forge.
“She was asked if she had any ideas on making a duck costume and within one week of that request she produced two magnificent duck costumes that will be seen throughout the Adirondacks in the months to come,” said Tim Foley, CAP-21 board member.
Foley said the organization is still seeking major sponsors for the Derby which will be the organization’s major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will support CAP-21’s mission to promote the quality of community life in the Adirondacks.
The ducks for the derby will be sold at all local events throughout the summer, beginning with Adirondack Paddlefest at the Old Forge lakefront the weekend of May 20, 21 and 22.
Sponsorship levels for duck adoptions range from any donation up to $50 to $500 and up.
Current sponsors are Adirondack Bank, Foley Law Firm, Meyda Tiffany, Nutty Putty, and Benny’s Ice Cream.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can call the CAP-21 office at (315) 369-3353 or Tim Foley at 369-3544.
The CAP-21 board of directors wishes to thank their current sponsors, in addition to art teacher Robert Fountain, Town of Webb School Superintendent Don Gooley, and Lucy Luce who created the two “magnificent” duck costumes.
