To the dismay of duck racers and spectators alike, the 27th annual duck race was at first postponed, and then unfortunately cancelled all together. The high water level and mud at the creek due to this spring’s immense amount of rain made it impossible to “con-duck” the race.

Fortunately, those who purchased tickets still have a chance to win prizes of up to $1,000. The Kiwanis Club will put the tickets in a lottery and have a special drawing at the Alden Farmers Market on Saturday May 13^th.

On the originally scheduled date of April 29th, the weather was dry, but the rain from previous days had created muddy conditions. On the flood date of May 6th, the weather took a turn for the worse with even higher water levels.

Avid fans of the event were quite disappointed at the cancellation, some even moved to tears. An unidentified Aldenite was seen mourning at the site of the race for hours on end. The ducks themselves were also saddened, since they had been training all year for the event. They now have to wait another entire year to demonstrate their speed and agility. However, the decision to call off the race was in the best interest for the safety and well-being of everyone.

The proceeds from ticket sales will be used to benefit fun activities throughout the community by the Kiwanis Club.

Although the weather did not permit the Kiwanis and Key Clubs to get all of their ducks in a row, hopefully next year’s race will be all it is quacked up to be.