MARGATE – There was an unusual finish to the annual Rubber Ducky Derby held at the Washington Avenue Pier this year. The course was fast and all the flotilla of ducks stayed in their lane. The little rubber duck that took the lead through most of the race fell behind as the course narrowed next to the pier.
Hundreds of parents and grandparents showed up with their children and grands to enjoy the annual spectacle hosted by the Margate Business Association to raise money for scholarship programs and community events. Children played several duck-themed games under the tents set up along the road, Jenga and Tic-Tac-Toe, and a DJ played popular hits, including the Duck Dance song.
“This is a fun event for kids and families,” said Michele Taber of Margate who has attended the event for three years with her now 3-year-old son Austin Goldberg.
Graham Delgado, 10, of Cherry Hill said he wouldn’t miss it.
“He’s been a duck fan his whole life, his grandmother Sandy Ostach of Margate said. “When he was in pre-k, during Thanksgiving, his teacher asked him what he was thankful for and he said, “ducks and grandmom.’”
Graham said he loves everything about ducks, and has pictures of ducks on the wall in his bedroom. He was anxious to get to the table where the MBA duck-tenders were selling little duck trinkets.
The crowd let out a roar when the duck-tenders aboard a small boat dumped six containers filled with the little yellow swimmers onto the course. In all, 1,500 ducks were sold to spectators, and this year, all four winners were present to receive their prizes, although it was a little touch and go with the first place winner trying to locate her ticket.
Piper Siebert of Gladwyne, Pa., who was spending her summer in Margate, sent her mom home to find the ticket to claim the $1,000 first prize. She purchased her ticket at the Margate Community Farmers Market, which made MBA volunteer Chrissy Tracy extra happy that her job selling ducks at the Thursday morning market was not in vain.
“This is lots of fun,” her father Ed Siebert said. “She buys these ducks every year, but you never expect to win. This is so funny.”
Lauren Lennon of Longport took the second place prize of $500. She purchased her ticket at an educational event held at Memories.
And Stephanie Scott of Margate took the third place prize of $250.
“This is my first time, and I bought my ticket from (MBA Executive Director) Anna Maria Blesia,” she said. “I was just interested in supporting the MBA and their activities. I never thought I’d win.”
Jordan Leonard, 4 of Huntington Valley, Pa., was successful guessing how many tiny yellow ducks were in the jar. He guessed 1,141 and he was closest to the actual count of 1,193.
“This is such a cute event for kids – of all ages,” his mom Erica said.
It was their first time attending the Ducky Derby and they will come again next year, she said.
The MBA’s next big event is the Fall Funfest by the Bay being held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28 along Amherst Avenue.
The Margate Business Association held its annual Rubber Ducky Derby Sunday, Aug. 24 at the municipal pier on Washington Avenue.
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