A MIXTURE of 1300 multi-coloured plastic ducks and a welcome burst of cool weather again brought crowds to Beachport’s Pool of Siloam on Saturday afternoon.
It was the 19th running of the annual duck race by the Beachport District Development Association and it has iconic status among the seaside community.
A barbecue and amplified music added to the carnival atmosphere and the temperature was around half the extreme heat of the previous day.
Under grey skies and before a crowd of 500, all eyes were on the mock paddle-steamer which released the 1300 numbered ducks from the middle of the Beachport Salt Lake at 3.50pm.
There were loud shouts from around the edge of the lake as the plastic ducks bobbed on the boat-generated ripples to the shore.
With local identity Ben Treloar commentating the race via a loud speaker, the bragging rights went to Beachport resident Malcolm Hann.
His duck was the first across the finish line and he claimed bedding products and wine as the first of the eight prize winners.
After the remaining winners were decided, children took delight in grabbing some of the ducks as keepsakes.
The Beachport District Development Association was pleased to have the support of the Beachport and Rivoli Bay Lions and Beachport Surf Life Saving clubs to stage the successful event.
Beachport District Development Association president Ros Brown said the number of the $5 ducks sold was higher than the previous year.
She said money raised from this event would go towards the 2020 New Year’s Eve fireworks display and other community projects.
Ms Brown said the Beachport District Development Association helped with the establishment and ongoing costs of a web page for the town and met some expenses of Beachport Primary School students at a Lego educational event in Adelaide.
Special thanks go to all prize donors and supporters.
