When you want to put your small town on the map, the best way to do it is with ducks. At least, that’s what worked for Deming, a town in southwestern New Mexico, which is known for one of the quirkier community events in the state: The Great American Duck Race.
Originally started to get people to visit the town in 1980, it’s a tradition that brings a weekend of a carnival, live music, car shows, a tortilla toss and, yes, duck races with actual ducks. These cute mallards are placed into lanes on either water or land, and then swim or waddle down their short courses. And because ducks are…ducks, the results can be quite unpredictable: sometimes they sprint, sometimes they wander, but they are always entertaining to watch. Spectators can even enter ducks in select races for a chance to win cash prizes. When you’re not watching the ducks, enjoy the carnival rides, watch the parade, join in on a cornhole tournament and much more.
Learn more at demingduckrace.com. Plan your trip at demingnmtrue.com.