Allens Pond's Duck Derby Winners Announced
August 31, 2023
What a fantastic year for Mass Audubon's nineteenth Duck Derby. On Friday, August 25, 2,972 rubber ducks raved on the incoming tide at Barney's Joy, backdropped by a stormy, breezy day.
Racing Rubber Ducks Raise Critical Funds
In addition to the dedicated race crew of staff and volunteers, eager spectators enjoyed a 1.5-mile walk from the Allens Pond Field Station to Barney's Joy for the event. While en route, Teacher Naturalists Julia O'Hara and Abby Abrahamson pointed out migrating tree swallows, foraging plovers, swimming cormorants, beach grass species, and sea life in the intertidal zone!
The race kicked off with an exciting launch where staff and volunteers worked together to drag the giant net full of ducks out into the channel and release them. The spectators were entertained by a special guest, FUN 107's Christopher "Gazelle" Arsenault. He paddled over in his kayak to greet them and provide periodic race commentary updates as the little racers bobbed their way to the finish line.
We are thrilled to report that duck sponsorship sales brought in over $27,000 to support Mass Audubon! Every dollar will go towards supporting our efforts to maintain climate resilient habitats, strengthen our ecological management programs, and provide access to nature for all!
Congratulation to Our Grand Prize Winner
Cheryl Blanchard's (Kingston, MA) duck, "Blanchard Birds," was first to cross the finish line!
Cheryl is extremely excited to win the Grand Prize of $5,000. When asked what she would do with her winnings, her first response was to “Give back in some way; perhaps donate to support resources for schools or for others to get out with their grandkids, like I like to do with my granddaughter. I want to get out in nature because everything is better when you are in nature.”
Many congratulations to Cheryl, and the runner-up and "slacker quacker". Thank you for your participation and continued support of Mass Audubon and Allens Pond.
| Prize | Duck Name | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize: $5,000 | Blanchard Birds | Cheryl Blanchard (Kingston, MA) |
| Runner Up: Mass Audubon "SWAG" Bag & Family Membership | Puddles | Sheila Vento (Norton, MA) |
| Slacker Quacker: Amazing Racer (1 duck) entry in the next Duck Derby | Christina | Pedro Castro (Dartmouth, MA) |
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Many thanks to all the volunteers who supported this year's event up to and including race day. Without your help and tremendous support, we could not have accomplished this amazing event!
A huge shoutout goes out to our generous Grand Prize Sponsors: The Bayside Restaurant, Sylvan Nursery, Fiber Optic Center,Whaling City Sound, and Feingold, Bonnet-Hebert, P.C.
Please consider patronizing these businesses and letting them know you appreciate their commitment to protecting the nature of Massachusetts! This tremendous, combined support makes it possible for all duck sponsorship fees to directly support Mass Audubon's work.
We would also like to thank each and every duck sponsor for participating in this year's event. Whether you sponsored one Amazing Racer, a Feisty Flock, or a full Box of Quackers, your support means the world to us.
Continued Support
Your support makes all the difference! If you were not able to join Allens Pond for Duck Derby this year, please consider joining Mass Audubon to receive updates on next year’s event or donating today to protect the nature of Massachusetts.