In less than two weeks, 6,000 rubber duckies will race on the incoming tide at Barney’s Joy to win dinner for two anywhere in the world and two night’s lodging for its “adoptive parent.” The 15th annual Allens Pond Duck Derby, happening at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, will also have more than 40 runner-up prizes worth between $50 and $350. Even the last duck in, known as the “Slacker Quacker,” will win free entry into next year’s derby. You do not need to be present to win.

All of the proceeds from duck adoption go straight to funding the work at Allens Pond Sanctuary, thanks to the grand prize sponsors The Bayside Restuarant, Sylvan Nursery, Inc., BayCoast Bank, Oppenheimer & Co., Inc, Compton Catering & Clambakes and Nye Synthetic Lubricants.

To participate in the race, adopt one or more ducks online at www.massaudubon.org/duckderby, at the Bayside Restaurant at 1253 Horseneck Rd in Westport, or by calling the sanctuary at (508) 636-2437 or stopping into the field station at 1280 Horseneck Rd in Westport between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. Ducks will also be sold at the Dartmouth Farmers Market on August 10th and 17th. Single ducks are $10, a Triple Threat of Three is $25, a Feisty Flock of Five is $40 and a Box of 15 Quackers is $100.

Winners will be announced at the Festival, which happens Sunday, August 19th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the sanctuary. Admission is free and there will be ecological displays, a wonderful silent auction, live plant auction, live music and a $5 barbecue lunch.