Rotary Club of Branford’s July 4 Duck Race, part of the annual Branford River Reunion festival had to be adapted and tickets were drawn to name winners this year.

The reason, the Suwannee River was rising and flowing too fast  and was dangerous to navigate and put boats in the water with nets to catch the ducks. Sponsors were disappointed, but safety was the most important thing. The river at Branford was at 23.27 feet July 4, flood stage is 29 feet.

Here, Blaire Bates, granddaughter of John and Trannie Lacquey of the Rotary Club of Branford explains why the duck race had to become a drawing instead of a race on the Suwannee River this year.

Duck race winners- First Place winner Joe Bergeron $500, 2nd Place Reagan Gabey – $300, 3rd Place G. Peterson, $200 and Last Duck Jackie Khurena, $100. All prizes will be mailed.