Conway Regional Health Foundation announced Wednesday it is postponing its annual Arkansas Duck Derby until January 2022 as health precaution against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority. We know that this pandemic has challenged each of us in many ways,” said Marla Hambuchen, Conway Regional Health Foundation Major Gifts Executive Campaign Manager, in a statement.
Hambuchen noted that Conway Regional, along with the Duck Derby Committee, made the decision in consideration of sponsors, volunteers and participants.
The derby’s proceeds support Conway Regional Men’s Health Initiative, an awareness and education program for men, and the Conway Regional Guest Lodging Assistance Program, which provides temporary, local housing for families from out of town who have a member at Conway Regional.
Hambuchen noted that the supported initiatives continue and people can still donate at arkansasduckderby.com.
Landowners, sponsors or volunteers interested in the 2022 Arkansas Duck Derby can email foundation@conwayregional.org. A date has not yet been announced for next year.
The derby is a multi-day event held each January and includes a banquet, auctions, raffles, food and entertainment. The format of the derby itself features registered teams of four paired with landowners and exeperienced hosts or guides from throughout the region. Scores of bagged ducks are kept, with point values assigned to different duck species after the hunt concludes, and prizes are awarded for the top three scores.
