- May 1, 2024
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Greggor Hines speeds back to the dock.
Ducks prepped for the relay. Photos by Michele Meyers
Ducks in the first heat dive into the water.
Ducks in the first heat dive into the water.
Sometimes the ducks go astray.
Denise Treml hangs loose after winning the race with her brother David Treml.
Ducks are dropped into the Tomoka River for the race. First three to exit the barrier win.
The winners of the Duck Relay: Below Trouble paddlers Denise Treml, David Treml, Greggor Hines and Brittany Darrell.
The Tomoka Outpost was home to the Early Learning Coalition's eighth-annual Duck Race Saturday, April 24. The day was overcast but the brightly colored yellow ducks perched on the edge of the dock offset any potential for dreariness.
This is the first year the event was held at Tomoka State Park. In past years, the Hidden Treasure Tiki Bar was the ELCFV's go to destination because it is also located on the water, but the organization has since outgrown the location. Scott and Ashley Cornelius own and operate the Tomoka Outpost, which is located in the park on the Tomoka River, and offered their space to Allison Miller, ELCFV's director of community partnerships.
Plenty of activities were available for kids to participate in while their parents paddled on duck relay teams. Story time, an ongoing scavenger hunt, giant Jenga and Connect 4 along with a kid play zone, to name a few, were all a part of the event. At noon, relay teams put their oversized ducks in the water and the starter kicked off the race by paddling to the nearest island and back. Teammates took turns until everyone had a chance to paddle. A subling-run team, Below Trouble, won the relay. Team members included brother and sister Denise and David Treml, Greggor Hines and Brittany Darrell.
Miller was pleased with the outcome of the event. The director stated that the numbers were up this year. Not only have the fundraising numbers increased but the number of participants and sponsors has also.
"The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia would like to thank the sponsors, donors, participants and volunteers for making the eighth-annual duck race a huge success," Miller said. "Children and families in our community depend on people like ours that help families stay on their feet and help children have a brighter future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and see you in 2022."
