The fleetest in the floating flock of rubber ducks will be crowned champion at the Annual Margate Duck Derby, Sunday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Amherst Avenue and the Bay at Washington Ave. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. with the derby beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. Presented by the Margate Business Association, Scott’s Dock and sponsored by Margate Gardens Wine & Spirits, the event features hundreds of yellow ducks racing to the finish — with Visa gift cards awarded to the top three finishers.
Once again, Scott’s Dock will kick off this floating, feathered frenzy and while the speeds are slow, the competition is fierce. Participants purchase raffle tickets ($5 per ticket) with a corresponding number on a weighted, rubber duck. The ducks are released into the bay into a closed course and with a little help from the current, and a bay breeze, ducks cruise towards a funneled finish line to separate the top three finishers from the rest of the flock. Duck owners have no interaction with their rubber racers, but they can cheer and watch the race from the Washington Avenue pier on race day.
Kids can enjoy a variety of duck themed games, including the Duck Chuck, Quack in the Hole and Fishin for Fowl, with chances to win fun prizes. Providing musical entertainment will be USA DJ, who will also host a Chicken (the duck’s distant cousin) Dance with a prize for the best dance moves. Margate Gardens Wine & Spirits will also provide free activities, including sand art and a NEW Shirley Temple Bar with non-alcoholic drinks for all ages. Also NEW this year is a Devon the Duck Slide provided by Bette’s Party Rentals.
To participate in this fowl flotilla, adults 21 and older can purchase their raffle tickets at Thrilling Thursdays Movies on the Beach, Margate Farmers Market on Thursdays at Steve and Cookie’s or from Margate Gardens Wine & Spirits (9710 Ventnor Ave. Margate) or email melissa@margatehasmore.com to arrange for tickets. Ticket sales will end on Thursday, Aug. 20 and will not be available on the day of the event. Visit margatehasmore.com for more information.
Prizes include:
1st Place – $1,000 Visa Gift Card
2nd Place – $500 Visa Gift Card
3rd Place- $250 Visa Gift Card
Come for your ducks, stay for the fun; it’s a floating, feathered frenzy you don’t want to miss.
