Mass Audubon Duck Derby 2021 Results
6,617 Ducks Raced on the Incoming Tide & "Pinky" Took First Place
Event raised over $50,000 for Mass Audubon
Filling the net with 6,500+ rubber ducks
What a fantastic 18th year for Mass Audubon's Annual Duck Derby, and an amazing celebration of our organization's 125th anniversary!
The original race date (August 19) had to be moved back a day due to severe weather. Luckily, August 20 was a warm day with a calm breeze, and spirits where high as a total of 6,617 rubber ducks raced on the incoming tide at Barney's Joy.
In addition to the dedicated race crew of staff and volunteers, some 25 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 naturalist Julia Signorella pointed out clams, crabs, and shorebirds including sandpipers and Sanderlings.
Festivities kicked off with an exciting launch where seven people 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.
We're thrilled to report that duck sponsorship sales brought in over $50,000 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!
This year’s event was extra special for a few reasons. In honor of Mass Audubon's 125th Anniversary and our 18th Duck Derby, we offered a one-year only super-discounted package of 18 ducks for just $125. At less than $7 per duck, purchases of this popular package accounted for a whopping 2,448 ducks—and $17,000 of our fundraising total.
Grand Prize Winner
Holding up "Pinky," the first duck to finish the race
Evan Williams (Lee, MA) got the call informing him that one of his five ducks had been first to cross the finish. "Pinky" was named after Evan's 5-year-old daughter Maggie's pet fish, and he told us that Maggie would help choose their Grand Prize. Not surprisingly, they went with the $5,000 cash—some of which Maggie hopes to spend on a special girls' trip with her mother and aunt.
With Gratitude
Winning ducks lined up in the order they finished
Many thanks to all of the volunteers who supported this year's event up to and including race day. Three cheers for our Duck Derby event committee chair Sally Johnston and committee members Donna Amaral, Blair Walker, and Karen Quigley, all of whom worked tirelessly alongside us every step of the way.
A huge shoutout goes to all the local businesses that donated prizes and auction items, particularly our generous Grand Prize Sponsors: The Bayside Restaurant, Sylvan Nursery, BayCoast Bank, Fiber Optic Center, and Whaling City Sound. Our thanks also go to our Supporting Sponsors: Milbury and Company and Oppenheimer, My Generation Energy, and Robert B. Feingold & Associates, 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.
Please consider joining Mass Audubon if you are not already a member! You can also make a donation to our Fund for Nature at any time throughout the year.