May the best duck win!

It’s May in Tularosa and that means it’s duck season. Not the feathered variety, but rather the rubber kind as the 3rd Annual Tularosa Duck Race makes waves on Saturday, May 3.

The event will include live music, food trucks, art and craft vendors, games for kids, (many involving water to help everyone stay cool) and educational displays. Hosted by the Tularosa Arts and History Council (TAHC), the event is free to the public and will be held at the intersection of 2nd Street and Encino with the duck races in the acequia along Encino.

Those interested in taking part can adopt a numbered duck for $5 or $25 for a “six quack” to compete in The Big Quack Race, as well as chances to win cash prizes in four preliminary heat races. The first heat race starts at 12:30 p.m.

New features this year include the “BYOD Race” at 2 pm where contestants can Bring Your Own Duck (rubber ducks only please!) for one special race, a costume contest at 3 p.m., and a Lucky Duck Pond where you can pluck a duck to win donated prizes from throughout the community. There will also be a commemorative T-shirt sale (limited supply so come early!), and Pizza 9 gift certificates for the first 100 kids.

Avoid the lines for adoption on the day of the event by adopting your ducks during the pre-sale period already underway. You can adopt your ducks at The Desert Spoon located at 222 Granado St. in Tularosa between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the mission of TAHC by providing funds for scholarships for young artists and helping to further educate the local community on the history and preservation of the treasured acequia system.

The 3rd Annual Tularosa Duck Race takes place from 12-4 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at the intersection of 2^nd St. and Encino in Tularosa. Info: 505-710-2924