Westport Duck Derby Splashes Down with $5,000 Prize Up for Grabs This Saturday

It's that time of year again when thousands of rubber ducks, dozens of spectators, and one grand prize winner come together to support Mass Audubon.

The annual Allen's Pond Duck Derby is set for Saturday, September 28th, with a rain date of September 29th- where thousands of rubber ducks will race from Buzzards Bay into Allen's Pond Wildlife Sanctuary.

Each individual duck will be released on the incoming tide and fight their way to the finish line for a chance at a grand prize of $5,000. There will also be other prizes, including a Mass Audubon family membership, a swag bag, and the beloved "Slacker Quacker" award for the last duck to finish. Proceeds from the event support Mass Audubon's ecological and outreach projects, promoting climate-resilient habitats and providing access to nature for all.

Ducks will be released at 1280 Horseneck Road in Westport, and the race kicks off in the afternoon. Volunteers will ensure a smooth and clean race, and safety is paramount, with participants encouraged to wear bug spray to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and EEE.

Ducks can be purchased online until Saturday at 12:00 PM ET. For those interested in getting more involved, volunteers are needed to manage the ducks and racecourse. Prep tasks start at 10:30 AM and continue until all ducks are safely returned around 3:30 PM.

Here are the official rules.

Winners will be announced at the South Coast Harvest Festival at 5:00 PM, and you do not need to be present to win. Whether you're there to cheer on the "lucky duck" or rooting for the "Slacker Quacker," this event is one you won’t want to miss.