The Duck Race at Folk Festival

The exciting(?) climax to two days selling ducks for our Annual Duck Race took place at 5pm when Peter & Diane started the race by throwing the ducks from the bridge.

We had invested in a gazebo, which proved very useful as it is easy to put up when it rains, and equally easy to take down. Peter briefly got lost underneath it whilst trying to avoid two notice boards!

At about 4.30pm we were told that Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue (MISAR) would be unable to do their usual sterling job of collecting the winning ducks, and rounding up all the others as they had an emergency callout. Following discussion, we decided to hold the race at 12 noon the next day, and Richard Hannah the Folk Festival Chairman announced the changes. We packed up ready to leave, then were advised that MISAR had been stood down, and were ready for the race! Richard announced this, and the race took place.

The river was flowing quickly, so the race was much faster than normal, and the winning ducks only just beat the pack following close behind them!

The results were: 1st Prize Duck No 245, Mr Cox; 2nd Prize Duck No 84, Mark Wooley; 3rd Prize Duck No 107, Mr Walters. Mark, from 'Browsers Collectibles' in Bridge House kindly donated £10 to Upton in Bloom from his winnings after Peter presented £40 for second place.