The First and Worst Winners of the 19th Annual Allen’s Pond Duck Derby [VIDEO]
It was a photo finish at this year's annual duck derby as the official results are in.
The 19th Annual Allen's Pond Duck Derby was a success and one "lucky duck" is $5,000 richer. On Friday, August 25th, 2,972 ducks were released into the Allen's Pond channel. The race kicked off at 10:00 AM and lasted no more than five minutes. The current was quick, and before we knew it, the first two ducks were crowned the victor.
Even the "Slacker Quacker" (the last-place duck)was chosen immediately.
As the net was lifted and a sea of yellow began floating downstream, bystanders and volunteers cheered on the ducks as they made their way to the finish line.
Here are the official results, thanks to the efficient efforts of the Mass Audubon and the Allen's Pond Duck Derby crew.
- First Place = “Blanchard Birds” Cheryl Blanchard from Kingston MA ($5k grand prize)
- Second Place = “Puddles” Sheila Vento from Norton, MA (Mass Audubon membership and swag bag)
- The "Slacker Quacker" = “Cristina” Pedro Castro (Free duck entry for next years 20th anniversary Duck Derby)
"Puddles" had the lead the entire time up until the very end. That's when "Blanchard Birds" took the lead with inches to go and took home the gold. An estimated $24,000 total was raised to help the Mass Audubon's ecological and outreach projects. For the last 19 or 20 years, the Mass Audubon has recycled and reused their ducks and has carefully never lost one.
The Mass Audubon would like to thank all who have donated, participated, and helped to ensure yet another successful derby for the books. Rain or shine, the ducks floated onward and the Blanchard family came out victorious.