Posted by Phil Goff on Apr 16, 2021
2021 Ducky Wucky River Race, hosted by the Rotary Club of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley and Devens, will be held on Saturday, May 15. The first lucky duck to cross the finish line will win its sponsor two hotel nights and dinner for two - anywhere in the world

The race will again be run following pandemic protocols, with only race officials and duck wranglers in attendance. The grand-prize and runner-up winners will be posted on DuckyWucky.org

Last year, National Guardsman Kiernan Cournoyer’s duck was the first to cross the finish line.  Newly engaged at the time, he planned to use the grand prize for a honeymoon.

Due to the pandemic, the winner will have two years from the date of the race to book their travel.  Past winners have chosen to travel to  Africa, Australia, Bali, Hawaii, Japan, Rome, and, of course, Disney World.  

The grand prize includes airfare, two nights of hotel accommodations, and dinner for two. In addition to the grand prize, there are dozens of runner-up prizes, including, sunset boat cruises, fly-fishing lessons, and gift certificates to local restaurants and merchants

Here's how the race works: Thousands of sponsored ducks paddle down the Nashua River from the starting line, located off Still River Road in Harvard, with the winning quacker scoring its owner the grand prize. Ducky wranglers and booms ensure the ducks are retrieved for next year’s race.

Each sponsored duck raises funds for ouRotary club, to support many charitable causes, including local food pantries, high school scholarships, youth sports programs, ramps for housebound individuals, dictionaries for third graders, support for local fire and police departments, and international relief efforts.

Tickets are on sale now, either at DuckyWucky.org or from our club members. Tickets are: $5 for a single duck; $20 for a flock; and $40 for 13 quackers. There's a 50-cent charge for online orders.

This year’s race sponsors include Alexander Advisors, Ayer Moving and Storage, The Bull Run, Gervais Ford, Main Street Bank, Nikopolous Insurance Agency, Phoenix Park, Reese’s Travel Adventures, Robert C. Alario Certified Public Accountants PC, and Thomas E. Sears Insurance Agency Inc.

For more information, contact  Ayer, Harvard, Shirley and Devens President Phil Goff at pdgoff1@verizon.net.