The Lakeland Derby will be the first “Derby” event to be staged on beautiful Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. With the entertaining style of the event and the competitive spirit of the race, the Derby promises to be a memorable occasion. Adding to the excitement, the Derby will be staged just one week prior to the Kentucky Derby on Friday, April 25th, 2008.

The Lakeland Derby promises the thrill of a race, the pure fun of sports entertainment and the reward of knowing the proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, a vital local charity.

The Derby will feature ten beautiful hand-crafted swans racing to the finish line on Lake Mirror. Each Swan will have an owner/breeder who will designate and train their own jockey for the race. In the event of a photo finish, The Lakeland Derby Committee will offer two first place prizes and both winners will have the right to be recognized as winners of this prestigious event.

Adopt a duck now! No, not a real duck ... it's time for the 1st Annual Lakeland Running of the Ducks.
The Running of the Ducks will kick off the Lakeland Derby with over 1,000 rubber ducks sprinting, swimming, floating their way to the finish line. Race time is 5:00PM.
So get out there and adopt a duck! Adoptions are $10 per duck. Your adoption papers and your duck will have corresponding numbers. Ducks are available for adoption now and will continue until 4:30PM the day of the event. So, don't delay!

If you like you can simply adopt your duck online and we will deliver them to your place of business between 9 am and 4 pm Mon-Fri