Despite the rain, the MBA Rubber Ducky Derby was held in Margate, Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE Water rolls right off a duck's back anyway. Rather than postpone it for a second time due to bad weather, the Margate Business Association's Ducky Derby launched from Ray Scott's Dock a little earlier than planned Sunday morning.
Volunteer kayakers, in the pouring rain, prepared the course for more than 1,700 little rubber duckies to swim to the finish line. The derby was scheduled to launch at 11:30 a.m. but a break in the clouds prompted organizers to dump buckets filled with the little yellow swimmers a bit earlier than planned.
A small crowd gathered at the end of the Margate Municipal Pier at Washington Avenue to watch the parade of ducks, which were mostly bunched together except for a few that sprinted ahead for the win.
Little Jimbo Henry, 3, was a little disappointed he didn't get to see the race, but he said he had a little blue duck at home.
His dad, Jim Henry, said he bought the last 10 raffle tickets and was hoping his little guy would win.
Volunteer kayaker Steve Jasiecki was the one to retrieve the three winning ducks at the finish line.
We persevered rather than postpone it again, he said.
Robin Scott, the second generation owner of the marina business, said she sold many tickets at the bait shop.
After ticket sales were cut off, the phone was still ringing off the hook. We had to turn so many people away, and they weren't happy about it," she said. As they say in the marina business, the latecomers missed the boat."
Nevertheless, the raffle sponsored by the MBA to raise money for operations, scholarships and community programs, was a huge success, she said.
It brings in families with kids, which we love, Scott said. But any celebration in Margate is fun. Next up is the Fall Funfest.
MBA Executive Director Anna Maria Blescia said she appreciates that Ray Scott's Dock hosted the event and thanked all the volunteers and kayakers who went above and beyond in the heavy rain.
Despite the weather, it was a lot of fun, she said.
Winners of $1,000, $500 and $250 Visa gift cards are:
First place, Steve Baglivo, Ducky #1386
Second place, Melissa Hallman, Ducky #858
Third place, Camille Gramieri, Ducky #1536
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