“ It ’ s a really big event for us . We enjoy it and not only that but the people in our community support our Duck Race very well because they know we support our community ,” said Trannie Lacquey , who along with her husband , John , have been members of the Branford Rotary Club since 2003 .
Even with almost 100 prizes , there are far more ducky contestants . Though the number has since decreased , the most ducks that ever swam the race were around 2,000 . Despite such a high number , they all drift to the end of the course eventually – even if the stragglers need a little outside motivation from time to time .
“ We lose very few ducks every year because we have people in jet skis picking up the ducks with nets and we have a boat on the river to help put the ducks into ,” Lacquey said . “ You know , after all this time of doing it we pretty much got it down pat .”
Besides being beneficial to the Branford Rotary Club , the annual Duck Race is a town staple that encourages community involvement and serves as an entertaining kickoff to summer .
“ I ’ m very proud of our Rotary Club and we have a lot of support in our community for it and if you want to come out and support our duck race on the Fourth of July we will welcome you or if you want to buy a ticket you can find any Rotarian , go on the Rotary Club of Branford on Facebook and find us ,” she said . When the Duck Race ends , the rest of the Branford festivities are just beginning . Coordinated by
2021-2022 | SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT 79