Memorial Day, the unofficial start to the summer, comes at Auburn in all directions.
Paraders honor America's veterans as they march down Genesee Street, and then it's off to Market Street to cheer on the thousands of ducks that may bring with them some great prizes.
It's a tradition that might not take place anywhere but Auburn, but that's the reason why many wouldn't dare miss the festivities and their chance to win the derby.
The parade, which starts at 11 a.m. near St. Alphonsus Church on East Genesee Street and ends at the war memorial on the west side of the street, should last approximately an hour, according to superintendent of public works Jerry DelFavero.
The city sponsors the parade and everyone from church groups to BOCES and other interest groups come out to march, but the reason for the parade is not lost on the organizers, he said.
There will be a ceremony for veterans that will take place when the parade concludes.
As the solemnity of the cer-
emony ends, the ducks will be dumped into the river to start their journey toward the center of the city, expected to arrive near the Auburn Police Department around 1 p.m.
Each duck in the annual Duck Derby, sponsored by the Auburn Kiwanis and AmeriCU credit union, costs $5.
The number holder of last year's winning duck won a Disney package that included a four-night stay for four people.
The preparations for this year's race are under way. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program has numbered more than 6,000 rubber duckies, but it's all up to chance to see which will cross the finish line first.
There will also be food available and entertainment provided by The Toonz so Market Street won't just be the finish line but also one of the best parties in town.
Memorial Day in Auburn will have a little something to offer everyone, just as long as they are downtown enjoying the festivities.
Staff writer Laura Boyce can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or at laura.boyce@lee.net
It's a tradition that might not take place anywhere but Auburn, but that's the reason why many wouldn't dare miss the festivities and their chance to win the derby.
The parade, which starts at 11 a.m. near St. Alphonsus Church on East Genesee Street and ends at the war memorial on the west side of the street, should last approximately an hour, according to superintendent of public works Jerry DelFavero.
The city sponsors the parade and everyone from church groups to BOCES and other interest groups come out to march, but the reason for the parade is not lost on the organizers, he said.
There will be a ceremony for veterans that will take place when the parade concludes.
As the solemnity of the cer-
emony ends, the ducks will be dumped into the river to start their journey toward the center of the city, expected to arrive near the Auburn Police Department around 1 p.m.
Each duck in the annual Duck Derby, sponsored by the Auburn Kiwanis and AmeriCU credit union, costs $5.
The number holder of last year's winning duck won a Disney package that included a four-night stay for four people.
The preparations for this year's race are under way. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program has numbered more than 6,000 rubber duckies, but it's all up to chance to see which will cross the finish line first.
There will also be food available and entertainment provided by The Toonz so Market Street won't just be the finish line but also one of the best parties in town.
Memorial Day in Auburn will have a little something to offer everyone, just as long as they are downtown enjoying the festivities.
Staff writer Laura Boyce can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 236 or at laura.boyce@lee.net