There have been some famous ducks of this world, including Donald, Daisy, Plucka and the consecutive golden ones made by Greg Chappell during Pakistan’s cricket tour of Australia during the 1981-82 cricket season, but none have waddled so inconspicuously and made such a huge impact on communities than these guys.
We’re talking about the amazingly competitive 2500 ducks who every year push ‘n shove and try to knock each other over in a race along the River Angas to capture the glory in the Great South Australian Duck Race at Soldiers Memorial Park, Strathalbyn.
Okay, they’re those little yellow plastic ones, and we may have talked up the tactics here, but for 26 years this fun, family-day event on the third Sunday of November has played a serious part in helping the Strathalbyn Rotary Club raise almost $250,000 to support local and international projects. And then there the tens of thousands of dollars local service, community and sporting clubs have raised from the food and drink stalls.
According to Strathalbyn Rotary Club member and 2016 race organiser Craig Maidment, it’s about fun and raising funds for wonderful causes.
“The duck race maybe ho-hum for the locals because they’ve seen it so many times, but a lot of people are still coming to this town on the second Sunday in November,” Craig said. “Hey, this is bigger than that race on the first Tuesday of November.”
Laugh we may, but this relatively tiny event, the brainchild of Frank Clennett, who is still a local Rotary member, was the first duck race of its kind in Australia, and possibly the world. It is now held globally.
Proceeds from this year’s duck race will go towards the Milang Red Cross, Riding for Disabled (Adelaide Hills), outdoor gym equipment along the Angas River, and creating a bird sanctuary in an reserve 4km out of Strathalbyn. The local scouts, community and sporting clubs, SES and CFS will also benefit.
According to well-respected local real estate sales consultant and fellow Rotarian Peter Redden, the duck race is great for Strathalbyn because it brings tourists to the gateway to the magnificent Langhorne Creek wine region. “The event provides life-long family memories,” he added.
“A special attraction this year is the fact the SteamRanger will run from Mount Barker to here for the race, and there will be a big duck on board.
“There have been so many tireless volunteers over the years who have really made this event for the benefit of the community, and we cannot thank them enough.”
They say the Great South Australian Duck Race takes about 15-20 minutes, but much depends on when the official judge, Geoff Oertel, starts the big fans on the swamp boats. And if there is a real tail wind, the race could be over in five.
Buy a duck in the race and you will help great causes and have a chance of winning $1000 for coming first, $300 second and $200 third. Actually, everyone wins a prize – their duck.
The fun day starts at the quack of dawn, or 10am in real time, with kids games including Chuck-a-Duck (plastic ones, of course).
There are two sections of the corporate events from noon, including for the best-dressed ducks like Toffish pictured with her owner Fiona Cairney.
Fiona, a decorator-designer, named her precious duck hiding behind a mask (as they do at the other Cup, the one in Melbourne) after her must-visit gifts and fashion shop in Dawson Street, a few waddles from Soldiers Memorial Park.
“I think the duck race is great for Strathalbyn, and well done to everyone involved,” Fiona said. “It’s a fun day and it’s typical of the community spirit of the town.”
Fiona conceded Taffish is not likely to win, but hey, this duck is there for the show, not the speed.
to the magnificent Langhorne Creek wine region. “The event provides life-long family memories,” he added.
“A special attraction this year is the fact the SteamRanger will run from Mount Barker to here for the race, and there will be a big duck on board (he laughs).
“There have been so many tireless volunteers over the years who have really made this event for the benefit of the community, and we cannot thank them enough.”
They say the Great South Australian Duck Race takes about 15-20 minutes, but much depends on when the official judge, Geoff Oertel, starts the big fans on the swamp boats. And if there is a real tail wind, the race could be over in five.
Buy a duck in the race and you will help great causes and have a chance of winning $1000 for coming first, $300 second and $200 third. Actually, everyone wins a prize – their duck.
The fun day starts at the quack of dawn, or 10am in real time, with kids games including Chuck-a-Duck (plastic ones, of course).
There are two sections of the corporate events from noon, including for the best-dressed ducks like Toffish pictured with her owner Fiona Cairney.
Fiona, a decorator-designer, named her precious duck hiding behind a mask (as they do at the other Cup, the one in Melbourne) after her must-visit gifts and fashion shop in Dawson Street, a few waddles from Soldiers Memorial Park.
“I think the duck race is great for Strathalbyn, and well done to everyone involved,” Fiona said. “It’s typical of the community spirit of the town.”
Fiona conceded Taffish is not likely to win, but hey, this duck is there for the show, not the dough.
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