Want to race a duck for a cause? Shelby event is back July 26

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14-07-2025

SHELBY — Hudson's Duck Drop returns to Shelby on July 26. This third annual fundraiser will support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio.
According to an announcement, the event will feature the release of over 1,000 rubber ducks from the Main Street Bridge into the Black Fork River. The ducks will race to the finish line at the Parrot Head Pub patio. Each duck can be adopted for a $10 donation, with proceeds benefiting families in need.
The event honors the memory of Hudson Curren, who faced significant health challenges from a young age. Hudson was born prematurely on July 24, 2018, and later diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease known as Alpers. This condition led to many hospital stays, including a medically induced coma. During these times, the Ronald McDonald House provided crucial support to Hudson's family, allowing them to stay close to their son at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Hudson passed away shortly after his first birthday on Aug. 31, 2019.
The first Hudson's Duck Drop took place in July 2023, surpassing its original goal of 200 ducks by dropping 580 ducks and raising $6,000 for the charity. In 2024, the event featured 870 ducks and raised $10,750. For 2025, organizers hope to exceed 1,000 ducks.
The event will take place from 5-9 p.m. July 26 at the Parrot Head Pub, 16 Mohican St., Shelby. Attendees can enjoy live music, a food truck, games for children and a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses. While adopting a duck is encouraged, it is not required to attend the free event.
Participants who adopt ducks will have the chance to win cash and prizes if their ducks are among the first three to cross the finish line or if they are the last duck to finish. Ducks can be adopted online or in person at the Parrot Head Pub. Those who adopt do not need to be present to win.
The silent auction will feature a variety of items, which can be previewed online before the event. However, all bids must be made in person on the day of the Duck Drop. Hudson's Duck Drop shirts and stickers will be available for purchase in advance at HudsonsDuckDrop.com but will not be sold at the event.
Sponsors of Hudson's Duck Drop 2025 include Parrot Head Pub, Derr's Painting, Neeley Dirt Works, Hockenberry Trucking & Excavating, ArcelorMittal, Spitzer Motors of Mansfield and Brian R. Gates and Michelle Gates State Farm Insurance Agency.
The Parrot Head Pub is committed to maintaining the area along the river and has implemented beautification projects and flood mitigation efforts. Volunteers will ensure that all ducks are numbered and accounted for at the finish line, with a net in place to prevent any ducks from being left behind.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, [e-mail], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Hudson's Duck Drop returns to Shelby with prizes and a purpose