Duckstock: A Community's Heartfelt Tribute and Unwavering Support

In the heart of Milesburg, a small community rallied together to honor the memories of a beloved local and support a fellow resident in need. Duckstock, a longstanding annual event, has become a symbol of the town's resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to its own.

Celebrating Legacies, Uplifting the Community

Honoring Lester "Ducky" Walk and His Son

Duckstock, now in its 16th year, began as a small gathering organized by the late Lester "Ducky" Walk, who hosted the event in memory of his son, Lester Walk, III, who tragically passed away in an ATV accident in 2008. After Ducky's own battle with cancer two years ago, his siblings, Rob Walk, Lawana Confer, and Dennis Walk, took over the event, continuing to honor both Ducky and his son's legacies.

Rallying Around Ricky LaPean

This year's Duckstock event was particularly poignant, as the community came together to support Ricky LaPean, a longtime member of the "Duckstock family," who is currently battling cancer. Organizers collected an impressive 3,735 pounds of non-perishable food, excluding water, and raised over ,000 to assist Ricky and the Milesburg community, with the remaining funds set aside to fund next year's festival.

A Memorial Celebration for All

Lawana Confer, Ducky's sister, described Duckstock as "a memorial celebration for anyone who has ever lost anyone," and "a mini vacation for those who can't afford to get away." For Confer, the event holds a deeper meaning, as it represents her brother's lasting legacy and an opportunity to help families affected by tragedy in his name.

A Community-Driven Effort

Duckstock's success is a testament to the unwavering support and generosity of the Milesburg community. Participating bands, including Stray Bologny Sammich, Quarterstick, and Jonny Bull, performed for free to support Ducky's cause. Countless businesses donated items for auctions, purchased radio ads, and helped support the event in various ways, despite a smaller attendance this year due to widespread financial hardship.

Honoring the Fallen, Uplifting the Living

In addition to raising funds for Ricky LaPean and the Milesburg Food Bank, Duckstock organizers also managed to raise ,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project and to fund a scholarship in Lester Walk's name. This multifaceted approach to giving back reflects the event's broader mission of honoring the fallen while uplifting the living.

Continuing the Tradition, Strengthening the Community

As Duckstock enters its 17th year, the Walk siblings, along with the dedicated staff and volunteers, are committed to keeping the event alive and thriving. Confer expressed her hope to "make him [Ducky] and his son proud, and to help as many families stricken with tragedy, in his name." With online auctions and fundraisers planned throughout the year, the Duckstock community continues to demonstrate its unwavering dedication to supporting one another and preserving the legacies of those they've lost.