The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Ducky Derby at River Falls Park in Weldon on September 22 this year.

The popular community event will offer free amusement rides for kids. Each year, the Ducky Derby fills River Falls Park with food vendors, arts and crafts, amusement rides, exhibitions and live entertainment.

The Switch Band, an old favorite from years past, will join the event this year and has met with a positive response.

New this year will be a live duck race on land presented by Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park and radio controlled flyers presented by Roanoke Valley Motorsports.

The rubber duck race will take place at 2:30, which will award the lucky winner with an increased cash prize of $2,000 this year.

You may purchase your race ticket at various businesses throughout the Roanoke Valley, including the Chamber office at 260 Premier Boulevard in Roanoke Rapids.

Look for the “Ducky Derby Tickets Available Here” signs at your favorite Roanoke Valley businesses to purchase your tickets, which are available now.

Each ticket costs $5, with six tickets available for $25 and 25 available for $100.

All proceeds will benefit the Roanoke Valley Chamber programs including the Business-Education Partnership, Leadership Roanoke Valley and various programs used to support business in the Roanoke Valley.

A cash prize of $100 will be awarded to anyone who sells the winning ticket. This new cash prize is a thank you to the Roanoke Valley Chamber volunteers who help make this event a success.

Admission to the festival is free and will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

For more information on this event or getting involved as a volunteer or vendor, please contact Sonya Smith at the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce at 252-537-3513 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

You may also visit www.rvchamber.com.