My Duck is Faster than Yours
Pretty sure this tradition from Avoca, Nebraska is about as original as it gets:
Thirty-three years ago, two guys sat in an Avoca bar and had an argument something like this:
"My duck's faster than yours!"
"Oh, yeah!"
"Prove it!"
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
As happens with arguments that start in bars, the men hauled their ducks to a farm pond and raced. Who won isn't important.
What matters is that race evolved into the Avoca Quack-Off, one of Nebraska's quirkiest -- or quackiest -- winter events.
Last year, more than 1,000 people came to watch and compete in duck races. Avoca, population 240, is about 32 miles east of Lincoln.
"It's just a heckuva lot of fun," said David Seay, who has lived in Avoca since 1990.
People come by the busloads from Omaha, Lincoln and other towns. Last year, there were more than 40 buses, Seay said. Many bus trips are organized by bars.
To get into the spirit, some people dress up in duck costumes or other duck-related apparel to cheer on their favorite fowl.
Bonus points: this fine young duck racer is a pledge brother of mine.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.