Hundreds brave wet weather for 25th annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race

WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) — A dreary day couldn’t stop the 25th annual Pawcatuck River Duck Race, a tradition like no other.

Nearly 20,000 rubber ducks were dumped into the Pawcatuck River on Saturday, and hundreds gathered on the border of Westerly and Pawcatuck to take in the spectacle.

Brendan Reed traveled up from Virginia, and said his friend even knitted special sweaters and a hat for the occasion.

“I got a brother and a friend Kenny who are way too into ducks,” he said. “Ducks are everywhere in their apartment, and they’re like, ‘you’ve gotta come.'”

In the Pawcatuck River Duck Race, spectators can buy rubber ducks to compete for prizes, with proceeds going towards local schools and nonprofits.

Race director Dezmarie Doyle said there was a big prize for the 25th annual event.

“This year, our grand prize is $2,500, or a trip for four to Disney,” she said. “We had 99 prizes in total this year.”

The rubber ducks float about a quarter of a mile down the river, where they funnel into a tube in order of the top finishers.

Reed had a few words for anyone considering if they should come next year.

“Life is short,” he said. “Always look for a good excuse to make time to spend with friends and family, even if it’s something ridiculous.”