Greater Minden Chamber hosts first ever Duck Derby Extravaganza
Will Phillips
Minden Press-Herald
On Wednesday, July 3, Minden Main Street and the Greater Minden Chamber, along with the support of their sponsors, will be hosting a 4th of July Extravaganza starting at 5 p.m. in Downtown Minden. The event will host a variety of entertainment including food, music, bounce houses, the Duck Derby, and of course, fireworks.
“This is the start of a new tradition. For many years the fireworks were put on at Turner’s Pond, and that will be moved downtown. It’s going to be a fun-filled afternoon with hotdogs, drinks, and the Duck Derby. This is an event that Minden Main Street and the Greater Minden Chamber will grow every year,” said the Mayor Terry Gardner.
“We are excited about starting new traditions in downtown Minden. This year we are doing things a little different and bringing the fun to Main Street. There will be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Grab a blanket or chair and come hang out with us!” said Lindsay McClaran, on behalf of Minden main Street.
The Duck Derby will take place at 7 p.m. on the evening of the event. The awards for the event are a cash prize of $2000 for first place, $1000 for second place, and $500 for third place. The tickets will be priced at $10 for one duck and $40 for five and can be purchased by visiting the Minden Press-Herald’s office at 203 Gleason Street, contacting any chamber board member, visiting the Greater Minden Chamber’s office at 110 Sibley Road, or by visiting their website at www.greatermindenchamber.com to buy them online. The winners do not need to be present to win.
“The Greater Minden Chamber is excited to incorporate our inaugural ‘Duck Derby Extravaganza’ with the 4th’s festivities. Hundreds of (plastic) ducks will be racing down the streets of Minden. Duck sales will end Tuesday afternoon. I would like to thank our Duck Committee for their help, and Keith Jellum with Jellum Services for his contributions to this event,” said Stephanie Barnette, President and CEO of the Greater Minden Chamber.
The fireworks show will be produced by Licensed Pyrotechnician Brent Hunt with Bistineau Blasters Fireworks. There will also be hotdogs that will be provided by Walmart and will be prepared by Gibsland Bank & Trust.
Note that part of Main Street will be closed, from Pearl Street to Pine Street, in order to make way for the Extravaganza.
“It’s going to be a fun event, we’re trying to promote downtown and do more this year than the fireworks, which were already spectacular. We would like to encourage everyone to come out and have a good time,” said Jake Chapman on behalf of title sponsor Gibsland Bank & Trust. As a tip for the community, Chapman recommends the event goers “bring a lawn chair.”
The other title sponsor for the event is Hathorn Fireworks, with the other sponsors being Jason Parker for Sheriff, Meadowview Health & Rehab, Walmart, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Gardner Group, Ivan Smith Furniture, State Senator Ryan Gatti Dist. 36, and Minden Family Dental.
“If we have the attendance that Turner’s Pond always pulls for fireworks, it’s going to be a huge very well attended event by people all across our community,” said Gardner.