DUCK RACE News:
DEMING ― Albuquerque has hot air balloons, Santa Fe burns Old Man Gloom and Deming has its ducks.
Since 1980, Deming has hosted the annual Great American Duck Race. The 39th edition of the event is Aug. 23-26, 2018 at the McKinley Duck Downs at Courthouse Park in Deming.
The Great American Duck Race, presented by Luna Energy Facility, features our favorite water fowl racing, but also includes the Columbus Electric Co-op Tournament of Ducks Parade, the Mizkan America, Inc. Duck Royalty Pageant, the Solitaire Homes Hot Air Balloon Rally and the Deming Main Street Tortilla Toss. There also will be arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment and the St. Clair Winery Beer and Wine Garden.
While duck racing may be serious business to some competitors, the key word for the weekend of duck racing is fun. For instance, in order to become Duck Royalty, participants will be judged not only on their costume, but their knowledge of water fowl and ability to “waddle” and a 2 to 4-minute routine designed to “impress the judges.” The winners, of course, will become the Duck King and Queen.
And if you are new to the sport of duck racing, don’t worry. There will be plenty of ducks on hand and a team of volunteers will help you choose a duck racer you can call your own for the event.
Obviously, there will be prizes for all the competitive events, but unlike most sporting events, the fun is in the participation.
“Every year we look to make the Great American Duck Race even more fun and visitors will not be disappointed this year,” said Randi Morrow of the Deming Chamber of Commerce. “Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of the community and our wonderful sponsors.”
This year’s sponsors:
Luna Energy Facility Capital Power
Columbus Electric Co-op Solitaire Homes
Sisbarro Auto Dealership Mizkan America, Inc.
Carter Bain Wealth Management Compass Manufacturing
El Paso Natural Gas Company, LLC; a Kinder Morgan company
First New Mexico Bank Loyal Order of Moose
Luna County Abstract and Title Co. Mango Maddies/Ultimate Fitness
Mimbres Memorial Hospital Tinley Tee Point S Tire and Auto Services
Quality Inn/Lazy Lizard Sun Valley Hardware
Western Heritage Bank Best Care Pharmacy
Busy Bee Septic & Portable Toilet Keep Luna County Beautiful
KSCQ-FM & KNFT-FM Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
For More information, call 575.567.1469 or go online to www.demingduckrace.com.
