Duck Derby returns July 3 with full evening of fun, music, races and fireworks

Come see local celebrities meet a messy challenge in a pasta-powered showdown

The 7th Annual Minden Duck Derby Extravaganza is set to take over downtown Minden on Thursday, July 3, with an evening packed full of food, live music, contests, kids’ activities, and fireworks — all leading up to the signature Duck Derby race.

Admission is free, and festivities begin at 5 PM with vendors, food trucks, and water slides opening to the public. Events will continue through the evening, wrapping up with a fireworks display at 9 PM.

The Duck Derby, where hundreds of plastic ducks race toward the finish line, will take place at 7:30 PM. Ducks may be adopted on-site while supplies last, with prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 going to the top three finishers.

In addition to the race, the event features a full schedule of family-friendly entertainment:

Schedule of Events:

• 5 PM – Vendors, food trucks, and water slides open; duck adoption begins
  
• 5:30 PM – Lineup for the Lil’ Quaker Children’s Parade at Main and Pine Street
  
• 5:45 PM – Children’s Parade begins
  
• 6:20 PM – Sage Community Fitness Kid’s Competition
  
• 6:35 PM – Celebrity Spaghetti Eating Challenge, featuring:
  
  • Mayor Nick Cox
    
  • Clerk of Court Holli Vining
    
  • Lions Club Man of the Year Tracy Campbell
    
  • Glenbrook Apache Princess Scarlett O’Glee
    
  • Community activist Michael Walker
    
  • WPSB Personnel Director Dr. Rebecca Wilson
    
• 6:50 PM – Music by Braydon Watts
  
• 7:30 PM – Duck Derby Race
  
• 8 PM – Foamtabulous Foam Party and more music by Braydon Watts
  
• 8:15 PM – Sage Community Fitness Kid’s Competition resumes
  
• 9 PM – Fireworks finale
  

Children are encouraged to bring bikes, wagons, skates, or pedal cars for the parade and to wear patriotic or duck-themed outfits. There is no fee to participate, and prizes will be awarded.

The foam party, hosted by Foamtabulous of North Louisiana, promises a sudsy experience for kids and families alike. Bringing towels and a change of clothes is recommended.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Cotton Valley native Braydon Watts. He and his band will perform live sets before and after the Duck Derby.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. While portions of Main Street and Broadway will be closed to traffic, ample parking is available around the downtown area.

For more information or to adopt ducks in advance, visit greatermindenchamber.com/duckderby.