DELPHOS, Ohio (WLIO) - The Delphos Kiwanis Club is once again bringing fun and community spirit to town with its annual 4th of July celebration.
One of the event’s most anticipated attractions is the duck races. Businesses, organizations, and the public can sponsor the chicks for a small donation and even get the chance to name the ducks. Crowds of all ages gather around to watch the feathered competitors waddle toward the finish line.
"The community really enjoys it just family atmosphere. The kids can get in it. Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, everybody cheering them on. The louder they cheer, the ducks are moving back and forth. So it's pretty entertaining for everybody involved. At the end of the event, we auction off all the ducks. So a lot of kids go home with happy with ducks, and a lot of unhappy parents," said Jamey Wisher, co-chair of the 4th of July festival.
Another highlight of the celebration is the Beyond Expectations baseball game, where individuals with disabilities take the field and showcase their talents. The fully volunteer staff looks forward to the event each year, as it creates lasting memories for everyone involved.
"It touches our hearts in a way that that is hard to describe, because this is a group of people, not young, not old, a combination of young and old that have come out to the park. This is the 22nd year that this event has taken place, and they come out to the park to share their love of sports in the baseball game that they're playing. All I have to do is watch their faces, whether it's the people in the stands or the players themselves and their smiles tell it all," said Rick Miller, a volunteer for the game.
Following the game, each participant is awarded a medal in recognition of their effort and enthusiasm on the field.
