The big weekend in Weldon kicks off this evening with free ice cream and a block party and ends with the annual Ducky Derby Saturday.

Between those two events, the second Amazing Race begins in Weldon Saturday at 9 a.m.

Today beginning at 4 is the Great 98 Rockin' Block Party at the First Media Radio building.

The event coincides with Johnny Draper's Friday Night Beach Blast from 4 to 7 and Doodlebug Donuts will be serving free ice cream.

The next day is the Amazing Race, a 5K event, that begins at 9 a.m.

The Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce and Key Fitness are partnering in this event, which incorporates a scavenger hunt as part of the challenge.

Those of all fitness levels can participate as individuals or teams of two to hunt for historical information and rest at unusual pit stops.

Each pit stop has clues for the next checkpoint and participants will perform mental as well as physical challenges.

The race begins at River Falls Park in Weldon, where registration at the big duck is open on race day for $40.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/amazingraceweldon or contact Darren Harris at 252-537-5639 — extension 215 — or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meanwhile, the weekend culminates with the 2013 Ducky Derby scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at River Falls Park Saturday.

The winning duck receives $2,000 and ducks will be available at the derby site.

This year the stage will be full of local acts performing all day.

A performer will play every 30 minutes, starting with Ann Meadows at 10 a.m.

Meadows will be performing folk, Americana and blues music.

Givens Dance students will perform routines while Ellen Draper performs pop and Belinda Dickerson performs Southern Gospel.

Jessica Mitchell Harris will perform pop and R&B while Lance Jenkins will perform blues, pop and country.

Brenda Balmer will be performing R&B Music from 70s and Youth for Christ will perform Gospel.

“We are excited about the line-up and look forward to a big day on September 21,” says Percilla West Chair of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The rubber duck race will take place at 2:30 p.m. Each ticket costs $5, with six tickets available for $25 and twenty five 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.

Admission to the festival is free.