The great 'duckie' escape

One of the highlights of yesterday's festivities at our Rum Runner Days celebration (besides the fake bear that leaped out its cage during the parade :-)) was the annual Boys and Girls Club 'duck race'.

My wife and I joined many families with untold numbers of kids at the Blairmore Centre Access bridge across from the Blairmore Legion for the dumping of the ducks into the Crowsnest River. What fun for all was had!

Afterwards, we jumped into our vehicle and rushed (turned out we didn't need to rush as the ducks took their time :-) ) down to the finish line across from Blairmore East Access bridge. A nice crowd of people were there already with more joining us as the minutes of excited anticipation went by.

In the water were a half dozen hardy souls with scooping nets.

When the rubber ducks came around the bend there was a great roar of excitement and everyone got into action. Unfortunately, there was too much action i.e. once they scooped up the winning ducks the battle was on to scoop up the remaining 1,680 ducks that somehow all seemed to float by 'at the same time'. Pandemonium set in with everyone scrabbling, trying their best to scoop them up before they got past them.

For some reason there wasn't a net placed across the river, only a handful of brave volunteers with scooping nets. Well, guess what? Untold numbers of rubber ducks got by the net'ers. People started scrabbling with some running along the edge of the bank trying to get ahead of the ducks, then jumping in doing their best to retrieve as many as they could. Even Chad Petrone, clothes and all, jumped in for the rescue. :-)

I don't know how many ducks are now on their leisurely way to Lethbridge by way of Pincher Creek but there were a few. :-)

It was a great time that still has us laughing. The great duck escape will live with us for some time to come. lol! :-)




Knowing that the best-laid plans of mice and men can often go astray... The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is to be taken too seriously.