Gowanda Small Town Times

After a postponement for a week due to stormy conditions, the 2026 Ducky Derby finally took place on August 30. After the race, the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce posted the winners on their Facebook page.

Identified only by number in the post, the winners were as follows:
1st Place [$400] - 366
2nd Place [$300] - 212
3rd Place [$200] - 094
4th Place [$100] - 166
5th Place [$100] - 747
6th Place [$100] - 56
7th Place [$ 50] - 436
8th Place [$ 50] - 163
9th Place [$ 50] - 417
10th Place [$ 50] - 244

The Chamber also congratulated for their assistance in the event: the Gowanda volunteer fire department, the Neighborhood Watch, Jake with his animals and Michelle Lulas for her beautiful singing.

Due to persistent thunderstorms and bad creek conditions, the Ducky Derby, originally scheduled for August 23, was postponed to August 30. The announcement was made on the Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Event times remain the same with festivities starting at noon and concluding with the race at 2 pm.

The Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners from the America 250 Parade.They have also put forth their appreciation to all who participated in the parade.

Parade winners include:

Fire Truck Division

Photo: Versailles Fire Company

* 1st Place: Versailles Fire Company
* 2nd Place: Collins Fire Company
* 3rd Place: Perrysburg Fire Company

Float Division

Photo: Countryside Baptist Church

* 1st Place: Countryside Baptist Church
* 2nd Place: Town of Persia
* 3rd Place: Ensering Hopes and Dreams

The Gowanda Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the schedule for their annual Christmas In Gowanda event. That graphic can be seen below.

Pictured above, Samantha Bucco and Jessie Mekus accepted the 1st Place medal for the Gowanda Free Library’s entry “Pete the Cat”. Library director, Heidi Khawam, was not present.

The last full weekend in September brought the annual Scarecrow Contest back to the streets of Gowanda. A total of 10 scarecrows competed for the title of Gowanda’s favorite. After the online votes and paper ballots were counted, the Gowanda Free Library’s entry, “Pete the Cat” landed in 1st Place with a total of 69 votes. Not far behind with 60 votes were “Puff n’ Stuff” entered by Jessie’s Home and Gifts in 2nd Place and “Edie Escrow” entered by Danahy Real Estate with 54 votes. Rounding out the top half with just short of 50 votes were “Victor the Vampire” by Gabel Brothers Furniture and “4-H Barn Buddies” by Perrysburg Barn Buddies 4-H.

Above, Amelia Jarzynski accepted the 2nd Place medal for “Puff n’ Stuff” by Jesse’s Home and Gifts.

Above, Brian Szkatulski and Mathias Arbeiter VI accepted the 3rd Place medal for “Edie Escrow” by Danahy Real Estate.