Statue needs repair or replacement and community is throwing dinner in support
The Mallard Duck Fundraising Committee which is part of the Petersfield Community Club has taken up the cause to reinvigorate a local icon. The majestic Mallard Duck Statue that resides in Petersfield’s Mallard Park is in need of some work and funds are being raised in support of a repair or replacement.
“It’s starting to break down. It’s rebar inside and plaster on the outside and it’s starting to break down and it’s leaking,” explained Cindy Alexander, Chair of the Mallard Duck Fundraising Committee.
The community has been doing meat draws every Friday night with support from the Petersfield Motor Hotel and has seen a great amount of support so far but they are planning to kick it up a notch with a dinner at the end of this month.
“We’re having a Rib Night on the 27th of April. It will be just a dinner, and then live music after but we will also have a 50/50 draw and a chase the ace,” she said.
The event will take place at the Petersfield Motor Hotel.
Tickets for this event are $40 each and residents who would like to support but can’t make it out to this event can also show some love by purchasing a $20 support ticket.
Alexander says that the statue is at this point a staple of the community.
“It’s been there for we’re going to say close to 30 years and it’s just part of who we are now,” she said.
The statue is also a waypoint for the community and the park which is a gathering place.
“We have our markets there every week in the summer, and [the Lily Pad Cruisers] have a car show there in the park. The Mallard is always the place where people go to take their pictures,” explained Alexander.
Every little bit counts when it comes to fundraising because they are in the beginning stages of this project and once they are able to start the ball rolling the group will be able to apply for grant funding to help as well.
Alexander welcomes residents to support this local event.
“We would like to encourage people to make a donation of $20 if they’re not able to come for the dinner and the band. Also, if people want to make a private donation or volunteer to do a meet draw, we would welcome any volunteers,” she said.
To contact Alexander about a ticket or volunteer give her a call at 204-485-5535.
