Alexandra’s Great Duck Race has been cancelled but the ducks will continue to float down the Manuherekia. 

Alexandra District Parents Centre President Hannah Dwyer says the event’s festivities will be canned but the ducks will complete their paddle under the Shaky Bridge. 

“Due to a number of factors beyond our control the Alexandra District Parents Centre have decided to cancel the Duck Race event at Centennial Park this year,” Hannah says. 

Hannah says the ducks will still race down the Manuherikia River from 12pm on November 27, but there will be no commentary or prize winners announced at the river this year. 

Prizewinners will instead be contacted directly. 

“The annual Duck Race is our major fundraiser which helps us to do all we do to support families with young children in the area. 

“We've received such great support from local businesses sponsoring prizes and the community buying ducks, we're glad to be able to still go ahead with racing the ducks. 

“Thank you to the volunteers who will be helping us on the day, especially Scott from Otago Regional Council who works the boom.”

The ducks will race on, but the event's festivities have been cancelled. Photo: The Central App.

The boom spans the width of the river to ensure no ducks escape, it was introduced after the great swim of one duck which reached the Roxburgh dam in 2018. 

Ducks are still available to buy at $5 each from Unichem, Alexandra 4 Square or directly from the Alexandra District Parents Centre. 

Children can still enter the Weka Landscaping Duck Race colouring competition.  

Entries can be picked up from the library and need to be returned to Alexandra District Parents Centre by the end of their Music and Movement session, held at St Aidans Church Hall at 10am on Friday November 26. 

“We urge anyone who comes along to watch the ducks race to keep themselves safe,” Hannah says. 

“Stay at least 2m away from people outside your whānau group, be careful around the water's edge and be courteous to mountain bikers on the river track and Shaky Bridge. 

“There will be more bikes and people around the area than usual due to the Crankworx MTB event.”