The Great Bullhole Duck Race & Festival at Riverpark in Cooleemee NC

Rubber Duck Race at Bullhole in the Yadkin River © Katrena

Summer time means lots of things to lots of folks in and around Cooleemee NC, a small mill town located in the Piedmont of the state in Davie County. A break from school. Mosquito spray. Enjoying a cookout with family and friends. Watching rubber ducks race at the Bull Hole?

The Bullhole Also Known as RiverPark at Cooleemee Falls © Katrena

Some people who live nearby confess that they have never been to RiverPark. Now, if you call it that, you are using newfangled terminology, but if you call it the Bullhole, many more might recall visiting the park that borders the Yadkin River where Rowan and Davie Counties meet right by Highway 801. They now have signs sporting both names directing people the couple of miles off the highway to the scenic park at the dam.

RiverPark Rubber Duck Race 2012 © Katrena

But what about the rubber ducks? The Great Bullhole Duck Race & Festival began in the summer of 2010, and the annual event has continued each summer to help raise funding for RiverPark. You can see a video of the 2010 duck race. People traveling down I-40 might have seen the billboard featuring the race in 2012.

Yadkin River Duck Race in Davie and Rowan Counties © Katrena

Rubber Ducks Race for Cash Prize © Katrena

Folks purchase numbered ducks in either singles, quack packs, or flocks in the hopes of winning one of the three cash prizes awarded to the proud owners of the fastest ducks to reach the finish line. Many volunteers are on hand to help reel in the ducks after the race is over.

Cooleemee Falls at Yadkin River © Katrena

The event also features music, vendors, activities, and snacks right at the riverside and along the nature trail. The summer heat can quickly be drenched by taking a dip in the river. The dam is generally only opened wide for two days each year, and this is one of those special days. Those brave enough to try might venture below the falls to enjoy a powerful shower.

Natural Water Slide at the Bullhole © Katrena

The park also serves as a fun natural water slide for swimmers who want to venture down the rocks near the center of the river. A tube race was also added to the mix of fun for the day. People traveling to the Bullhole to visit may wish to bring some food and enjoy a picnic while listening to the sound of the Yadkin in the background.

Emergency Crew from Rowan County Ready at the Duck Race © Katrena

A Rowan County emergency crew was on hand for the event just in case anyone might need a little help. Yep...they were well prepared for the terrain. Common sense and using caution can go a long way in helping people to keep safe at places like RiverPark.

Yadkin River Waterfall at Cooleemee Dam © Katrena

The Bullhole has enjoyed quite a facelift in recent years, thanks to volunteer efforts of many citizens of the area, and those efforts continue on both sides of the river.

Duck Race Fund Raiser at RiverPark © Katrena

Since the falls at the Bullhole are rarely this full and you don't often see hundreds of rubber ducks floating downstream, the shutterbug in me was delighted to get lots of pictures during this event.

Free Fun Family Park in NC © Katrena

Those visiting the Bullhole or RiverPark might also enjoy touring the nearby Textile Heritage Museum in Cooleemee, NC. Find more of Katrena's blog articles, tips, and events at the Travel NC With Kids site map.