file photo Boyd Loving
The Great Ridgewood Duck Derby- July 19th
The Great Ridgewood Duck Derby
On Saturday, July 19th, Ridgewood Parks & Recreation, in cooperation with Jacobsen Landscape Contractors of Midland Park, will be hosting the Great Ridgewood Duck Derby at Graydon Pool. Come out and embrace the national “Come Alive Outside” campaign and join us for an afternoon of fun family activity. This event will feature an array of different types of entertainment. There will also be a number of different kinds of activities throughout the day such as beach games, a sand sculpture contest, duck decorating, face painting, and ultimately concluding with a rubber duck race.
Pre-registration is a must and the deadline for advance sales is July 17th. The cost to take part in this fun family event is $10 per person ($15 per person non-residents) which includes a BBQ ticket and one rubber duck. With the BBQ ticket you get a hamburger or hotdog, chips, and a beverage.
The “Come Alive Outside” campaign started in 2010 by Jim Paluch in hopes of combating the sedentary, indoor lifestyle that is contributing to a multitude of adverse effects in our society. Playing outside has more benefits than just the physical, outdoor play can help children develop social skills, reduce stress, and increase their self-confidence. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 60 minutes of free play outside daily is essential for a child’s development which is why it is the “Come Alive Outside” campaign’s mission to create opportunities for children to get outside for some good healthy fun.
To register for the Great Ridgewood Duck Derby you can either stop by The Stable at 259 N. Maple Ave and fill out a registration form or go online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass. The rain date for this event will be on Sunday July 20th. Please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 201-670-5560 with any questions.
