Media release from Summerville Main Street:
Summerville Main Street’s Ducky Derby will be making a comeback on Saturday, May 9 for a fun race down Summerville Town Creek and welcoming the first 2026 arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Steam Engine full of passengers! The event will run from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. outside of the Summerville Depot and also highlight is the working of the Summerville Turntable, along with an Invitational Jeep Cruise – In on East Washington Street.
Train enthusiasts will especially enjoy the arrival the the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Steam Engine 4501. As they celebrate 65 years since incorporation, the TVRM is honoring its roots by returning this iconic locomotive to a classic look. The iconic steam locomotive No. 4501 will return to Summerville wearing the classic Southern Railway passenger livery she entered into excursion service with in 1966—exactly 60 years ago.
“In a year when we’re celebrating our 65th anniversary and the locomotive’s 115th birthday, it feels only right for her to come back in Southern Railway passenger livery for a limited celebratory season,” said TVRM spokesperson Penelope Soule Gault.
She’ll proudly wear this passenger scheme throughout the year as she steams her way to Summerville, Georgia on the Summerville Steam Special.
Vendors will be on site with food and crafts and fun activities for kids. The race is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. Adopt a rubber duck for the race by purchasing an adoption ticket for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $500, for the first duck to cross the finish line. The second place duck will be awarded $250, followed by the third place duck bringing home $100.
How the duck race works is simple. When adopting a rubber duck, the purchaser will be given a numbered ticket. A rubber ducky is entered into the ducky race with the ticket number written on the bottom of the duck. Adopted duck owners do not have to be present for their rubber duck to win. Donations are $5.00 for one ticket, $25.00 for six tickets, $50.00 for 12 tickets, and $100 gets you 25 tickets. One ticket equals one rubber ducky. Tickets may be purchased at Summerville City Hall, from Summerville Main Street Volunteers and at the Summerville Main Street Office, located at 179 Union Street. Tickets will also be sold on site at the event beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
Jeep owners are invited and encouraged to cruise-in on East Washington Street for a Jeep Cruise-In. This is a special way to showcase Jeeps of all makes and models. A section of the East Washington Streetscape will be blocked for Jeeps to park and enjoy the day of fun. Participating jeeps will receive a special edition duck sponsored by The Natural Gas Connection while supplies last.
A Ducky Calling Contest for adult and youth divisions will be held at 1:15 p.m. prior to the race. Free registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day during this free public event. This event is sponsored by Summerville Main Street, G P Federal Credit Union 1 and Pro Roof GA. For more information, email slocklear@summervillega.org
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