Sales were "brisk" and long lines existed at the table where Fall Festival goers could purchase a duck for the 2nd Annual Duck Downs Duck Race. The popular event that debuted during last year's Fall Festival, saw even a larger response this year. "The rough totals of tickets and money suggests that we increased sales by approximately 200 ducks with this second contest," related Dana Cleaver, Chairman of the Duck Race Committee. "We're pleased and the money will be used to promote tourism and other projects of the Chamber of Commerce."

The popular Duck Race begins when individuals purchase a plastic duck, where their ticket number is written on the bottom, and the duck is released into the creek, down- stream from the Stew Grounds. A flood of water is released from the City of Sulphur Springs to encourage the ducks to float down the creek. Chief of Police Jim Bayuk serves as the official judge and when the first duck crosses the finish-line, the winner receives a $500.00 cash prize. Cash prizes are also awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers, and "the Lame Duck," the duck crossing the line last (within 30 minutes of the first duck who crossed the line). "The event is fun and creates a lot of interest among all ages," states Cleaver. "People try to guess which color will finish first and some even want to 'kiss' their duck, when they purchase it, for good luck!"

Mike Holloway, right, attempts to sell Lee Teetes, President of City National Bank, a ticket
for the race on Saturday.

And, probably the person with the "hottest" job on the entire Stew Grounds,
Saturday, was Wanda Moore, who portrayed the "Mother Duck" to promote
the Duck Race. Dressed in her costume, Wanda paraded through the stew
sites and encouraged people to buy a duck for the race. Here, she's getting
a little "friendly" advice from her husband!

The Finish Line on the creek was a popular place for people to start gathering, once the stew
winners had been announced and the beginning of the Duck Race was only minutes away.

And, anticipation heightened as word of sightings of ducks was announced
on the public address system or the news traveled by "word of mouth" down
the creek banks.

And, then, finally came down "the home stretch" with this little yellow duck in the lead. Wonder
what number it has on it?

Chief Bayuk grabs the first duck and it bears the number "6172"!

Winning Numbers were:

1st Place: "6172" - Gary Sweek, Longview, TX
2nd Place - "6951" - Anthony Tanton, Sulphur Springs, TX
3rd Place - "6419" - Ricky Glosup, Birthright, TX
Lame Duck - "6049" Trenton Norris, Sulphur Springs, TX

Chief Jim Bayuk had one of the "coolest" jobs in the crowd on Saturday,
as he stood in the creek and waited for the "Lame Duck" to arrive.

One More Happy Little Boy.......Trenton Norris, right, was so excited that his duck bore the number
"6049" and was able to claim the $50.00 for the "Lame Duck." Dana Cleaver, chairman of the
Duck Race Committee, proudly awards him his prize!