Deeping Duck Race attracts a large crowd
The spectacle of 2,000 bright yellow ducks ‘swimming’ downstream attracted plenty of people to a waterfront at the weekend.
The annual Deeping Duck Race, between High Locks near the Bell Tavern and Low Locks in Deeping St James, saw plastic ducks sold for £1, with the owners keeping their fingers crossed theirs would be first over the finish line.
Organised by Deepings Lions Club, Sunday’s event was raising money for the mental-health charity Mind, and the Lions’ Brain Tumour Research Appeal.
Lynne Roberts, president of the Deepings Lions Club, said the event went really well and the reduced flow of the river caused by drought and a build-up of weed didn’t scupper proceedings.
“People were lined all the way up and down the river to watch the races,” she added.
Fairground rides and a Punch and Judy show provided additional entertainment for children and people could browse stalls along the route.
Four different races took place, with the pubs going first, then the estate agents, thirdly other businesses, and finally the main race, which was open to all.
The last race offered the chance to win a prize should their duck be the first to cross the finish line.