Jackson Town Column: Wildquack Duck River Festival May 27

Published Date Written by Suzannah Stokes

Come see this wild and zany event that has been a favorite for more than twenty years. Watching more than 3,500 yellow rubber ducks make their way down the Wildcat River to the finish line will excite the child in all of you. There is no admissions fee, anyone can pick a spot on the side of the river where you will share the excitement as the ducks pass you and try to maneuver their way through the rocks to their final destination. Duck races are not unusual, but Jackson's duck races are fast becoming famous for the eclectic selection of ducks coming together to race. You have your regular yellow ducks that look like all the other duck race ducks, but then you have the Olympic Ducks with their fire stripes and the big ducks - and they are big both in size and in prize. So remember, when visiting the Wildquack duck race you are going to see some very different racing styles. The prizes are incredible offering more than $12,000 in cash and prizes including an autographed Red Sox Baseball from Pitcher "Daniel Bard," vacation stays, dining certificates, spa treatments, gift baskets, attractions tickets and so much more. The duck deemed "Last Duck" by M/C's Rob and Andrew Clarke to cross the finish line will win a beautiful Mountain Bike donated by Black Bear Realty... what a race to win or lose, you just can't go wrong.

Everyone should come hungry and be sure to check out all the fabulous barbeque foods offered by local and visiting chefs, try the kettle corn, ice cream, lobster sandwiches and more. Watch the "ever growing" parade starting from the Covered Bridge at Noon, have your picture taken with "Wildquack" the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Duck, visit local businesses and really enjoy this "ole" fashioned "Day in the Park". There is always something new at the race... this year it is the Christmas In June Tent where you might catch a glimpse of Summer Santa. Some favorites back again this year are the Roaming Rail Road Train and Bo Bo T. Clown.

There is still time to register for this year's "Jackson's Cake Boss" competition and or the Fve Minutes of Fame Stage and to purchase Duck Tickets. For details stop by website at www.JacksonNH.com or call the office at 383-9356. And be sure to make a bid often at the incredible silent auction tables.

Jackson Church collects for Zimbabwe

Last year many in the Jackson and Greater Valley communities were very generous with phenomenal contributions to a shipment of items that went to the Jackson Community Church Partner Church in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Everything arrived safe and sound only three months after the shipment left New Hampshire! This year they are focusing on raising funds for a much needed Public Address system powered by solar panels to go in the June 22 shipment. Their Church is close to a Beer Hall which plays loud music. With unreliable power, the combination solar panels and the public address system will allow the church service to be clearly heard by the congregation. Because of this focus, the Church won't be looking for general items as last year; however, if anyone has a portable sewing machine in good shape or a laptop computer with relatively current software, these items are always welcome. Please call Jeanette Heidmann, (603) 383-5959, for pick-up or talk to anyone affiliated with the Jackson Community Church. They would be grateful for direct monetary contributions earmarked for the solar powered PA system, and encourage you to look for the fund raisers at the Jackson Wild Quack Festival on May 27 and at Joseph's Spaghetti Shed on June 4.

Town Hall work

The enclosed second egress from the upper floor of the Town Hall is under construction. It will be landscaped where it had been a dumping ground for road salt and sand for many years. This egress is required for the Historical Society to use the second floor of the building, where they will soon open The Museum of White Mountain Art at Jackson. The Town has filled an open ditch. Look out for the great improvement in appearance at the rear of the old Town Hall.

Red Sox tickets available in library raffle

The Friends of the Jackson Public Library have been given two tickets for a Boston Red Sox game on Tuesday, July 17 at 7:15 pm. The seats are located behind first base in Section 13, Box 105, Row MM, and have a value of $94 each. A limit of 40 chances will be sold for $5 each at the library and at the book sale on Memorial Day weekend. The winning chance will be drawn on or before June 30.

The Friends of the Jackson Public Library will be hosting their annual used book sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and May 27. It will be in the Whitney Community Center in Jackson, behind the post-office, from 10 am to 3 pm each day. Income from the book sale and raffle that will be going on at the same time is added toward the purchase of new books for the library.

Jackson Innkeepers' Flea Market

The Wentworth Inn will be hosting the Jackson area innkeepers under their elegant tent for an inn-wide yard sale. Inns from the Jackson Village area will be coming together under one roof. Overstocked inventory such as china, linens, lamps and furniture will be available to the public for purchase.

Join them under the tent Saturday, May 26, at The Wentworth Inn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call Kathleen at The Wentworth ( 603 )383-9700.

Suzanne Stokes can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .