Up to 10,000 yellow rubber ducks will speed through downtown on Saturday, May 5  for the 14th annual Reedy River Duck Derby.

The Reedy River Duck Derby is the primary fundraising project of the Rotary Club of Greenville Evening, a service organization of local business people working together to give back to their community. Past Derby funds raised by “duck adoptions” have been donated to the Mauldin Miracle League, Early Act First Knight, and United Ministries.

The person’s whose duck makes it over the falls and through a chute at the bottom first wins $75 a week in groceries for a year from Publix and an opportunity to win $1 million. The second place finisher gets $1,500 cash. The third place finisher gets an all-expenses paid golf weekend at Embassy Suites.

“Just like the Kentucky Derby, there are grand prizes for winning, placing, and showing,” said Eric Krichbaum, president of the Rotary Club of Greenville Evening. “There are also many other prizes for ducks that come in behind the first three.”

In addition to the duck race, there will be local food vendors, family-friendly activities, and live performances by local musicians. All-day parking is available for $5 in the parking garage off of  Camperdown Way near the falls. The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes through 4 p.m. with a “post time” at 2:30 p.m.

A new addition to the derby this year is the Duck Derby Hat Contest, sponsored by Locally Epic. Attendants are encouraged to enter the contest and wear a hat with a duck motif to the Duck Derby. The hats will be reviewed by a panel of local celebrity judges and contest winners will be eligible for cash prizes.

“We are excited to be getting the opportunity to help the Duck Derby by bringing a fun, new element to the event,” said Chase Michaels, CEO of Locally Epic.

The Champion Duck sponsor is House of Raeford Farms and the Million Dollar Duck sponsor is McKinney Dodge.

“The Duck Derby brings the community together like nothing else. This year is lining up to be our best yet,” Krichbaum said. “Beautiful weather, great entertainment, the energy of downtown, and the fundraising element work together to make this an exciting community event.”

A single duck sponsorship is $10 and a five-duck “Super Quack Pack” is available for $30 through April 14.After April 14, the Quack Pack is four ducks for $30. For more information about adopting a duck, visit reedyriverduckderby.com.