One of the most popular booths at the Mountain Laurel Festival on May 21 was Volunteers for Literacy’s Dec-a-Ducks. Hundreds viewed the 35 decorated ducks, marveled at the creativity, and voted for their favorite to win the People’s Choice Award.
Few of the big yellow ducks were recognizable in their original form before VFL’s duck race sponsors and partners turned them into characters such as a pig, a princess, a bride and characters from children’s fairytales, movies and books.
“We were pleased to have so many of our sponsors and partners enter this year’s Dec-a-Duck contest,” said VFL Executive Director Phylecia Wilson. “They come back year after year to support literacy in Habersham County. Of our 37 sponsors, 25 entered the contest and ten of our partners entered. They are all listed on our Facebook page and website, www.vflhabersham.com and we hope all will take notice of who they are.”
The Dec-a-Ducks had their own parade float and after the parade, VFL placed them on exhibit under two canopies next to the ticket sales booth for the 11th Annual VFL Rubber Duck Race.
One of the big winners was Southern Seasons Inn’s “Cheese and Assorted Quackers,” created by the inn’s owner, MaLisa McOmber, which judges voted as the Best All-Around Dec-a-Duck. McOmber also took second place for Most Creative and third for Best Business Themed Duck. Another favorite and People’s Choice First Place Winner was My Georgia Credit Union’s “Quack Sparrow,” a take on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. “Quack” won second place for Best Children’s Fairytale/Book/Movie and Honorable Mention for Most Creative Dec-a-Duck.
Mortio-Scovill’s entry of “Around the World – 220 Years of Excellence in Manufacturing” won first place for Most Creative and Best Business-Themed Dec-a-Duck. Clarkesville Library took a classic Mark Twain story and created Quackleberry Finn. They won second place for People’s Choice and tied for first place Chairman’s Choice.
“Webster,” created by The Northeast Georgian, burst on the scene with first place for novice entries along with honorable mention for best business and best all-around, along with third place for people’s choice.
Dec-a-Duck was created as an addition to VFL’s annual Rubber Duck Race in 2018 and has gained in popularity. VFL invites all Rubber Duck Race sponsors, in-kind contributors and partners to decorate a large yellow duck that they provide. This year’s categories included Best Business-Themed Duck. Best Children’s Fairytale/Book/Movie, Best Novice Entry. Best All-Around and Most Creative. Two other categories added were Most Creative and Chairman’s Choice.
This year’s judges were given the almost overwhelming task of choosing the winners. They were Melissa Henderson, photography instructor at NGTC, Adele Steele, artist and exhibitor at Hemlock Gallery in Clarkesville, and local artist Mary Harlan.
To view the winners and photos of this year’s Dec-a-Ducks, go to Facebook.com/VFLHabersham.