The second annual Duck Derby, hosted by the Estevan Humane Society, attracted a large crowd to Woodlawn Regional Park’s free park area on Sunday afternoon.
The crowd gathered along the north banks of the Souris River, and watched as the ducks floated down the river towards the finish line. They had been dropped by a trackhoe from the Highway 47 bridge.
It took about 20 minutes for the ducks to complete the short voyage down the river. At one point, the river’s flow sent many ducks towards the south banks of the river, but a west wind picked up and propelled the ducks towards the finish line.
Rick Senchuk purchased the winning duck and won $7,905. The Estevan Humane Society will take home the other $7,905, to cover such costs as upkeep of the building, veterinary bills and repairs to such areas as the dog kennels.
According to humane society spokesperson Angela Prette, a total of 1,581 ducks were sold for this year’s derby. Ducks were available until just before the derby started, and 148 ducks were sold at the event.
This year’s derby attracted a larger crowd for the festivities than last year, she said.
Also on site during the day were face-painting, food trucks and bouncy castles.
“I hope next year to make it even bigger and better, and maybe have some kids games and some entertainment for the adults to give people more stuff to do while we’re waiting around for those ducks to make their way down the river,” said Prette.
