Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.
Roch Valley Radio had the pleasure of speaking to our friend, Ramsbottom Rotary president Stuart, who said the event had grown significantly since it began 14 years ago.
He said the duck race originally began as an addition to another local event before becoming an attraction in its own right.
Stuart said “When we first started, we tacked it onto the chocolate weekend and were kind of an add on that people came along to see and we’ve now it’s become our own.”
"More than 300 ducks were sold for the children’s race and around 150 entries took part in the giant duck competition. Stuart described the turnout as the biggest in the event’s history.
He said “This is our 14th year of doing this and we’re absolutely our busiest year.”
The event also featured charity stalls, refreshments and activities throughout the day, creating a wider festival atmosphere around the race itself.
Stuart said many of the groups attending did not pay to take part and instead raised money for their own causes during the day.
He said “They come along, they don’t pay anything to come. They just whatever they do here and they all raise money for their own charities.”
The giant duck competition attracted around 150 decorated entries. Organisers said the winning entry came from Tushingham and Randall Dental Practice on Bridge Street. Second place went to the RSPCA and third place to Stubbins Primary School.
Stuart said local businesses, volunteers and residents had once again played an important role in supporting the event.
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