MOUNT VERNON-Over 900 plastic ducks were released on the Kokosing River near the viaduct downtown last night to begin the annual Rubber duck river race to benefit the Heritage Centre Association. After just a few seconds a clear leader emerged and the first duck crossed the finish line just a few minutes later.
Rubber ducks cross the finish line on the Kokosing River
Each duck was assigned to a hopeful ticket buyer. HCA downtown manager Carrie Crouch annnounced the winners. The first place duck belonged to Carol McFarland, who won a 3-day Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas provided by Mount Vernon AAA. Second place went to Sue Harwell and she wins a $500 shopping spree at downtown businesses. Third place goes to Rachel Laferty who wins a season-long pool pass for next summer to Hiawatha Water Park/Pool.
The evening also featured a “celebrity” pie-eating contest featuring sweet treats from Southside Diner. First place went to former Knox County Commissioner and farmer Allen Stockberger. Coming in second was Sheriff David Shaffer while third place went to Knox County Recorder John Lybarger. Mount Vernon Mayor Dick Mavis officiated the two-minute contest which featured a no-hands rule. When asked what the secret was to his winning the contest, Stockberger said, “I was hungry.”
Farmer and former Knox County Commissioner Allen Stockberger, center, finishes first in the First Friday celebrity pie-eating contest. WQIO’s Curtis Newland, left, eyes what’s left of Stockberger’s pie.
Other celebrities participating were Knox County auditor Jonette Curry, WQIO morning show personality Curtis Newland, Realtor Becky Payne, Ohio Rental’s Jay Maners, Bryan Treen, realtor and Ben Staats, Ariel.
Agriculture was the focus along South Main Street. Visitors could sample locally grown popcorn, see huge farm equipment and even see a rooster and chickens close up, which especially delighted the younger set.
