The Western Arizona Humane Society held it’s 26^th annual Duck Derby fundraiser today, under the London Bridge. The fundraiser, which was kicked off by a “Ducktail Party” on Sept. 30, works by “racing” rubber ducks, which are sponsored for $5 per duck. The ducks are split into three heat races, with the top 10 winners of each heat advancing to the final round, where they race for the grand prize of $1,000.

Today’s event completely sold out of ducks, much to the happiness of the WAHS staff.

“Every penny raised goes to operations for WAHS,” said Patty Gilmore, the WAHS executive director. “All funds raised from the Ducktail Party and the Duck Derby go into one big pot, which goes directly to the animals.”

Rubber ducks “race” towards the finish line during the Western Arizona Humane Society’s 26th Annual Duck Derby under the London Bridge on Saturday. Shelby Horn/RiverScene Magazine

Along with the $1,000 grand prize, WAHS also awarded $250 to second place, $100 to third place and $50 to last place.

The winners were announced on site and included: first-place Sam’s Shooters Emporium, second-place GDK CPA, third-place Dean Barlow, and last-place Jennifer Luzzi.

Telesis Preparatory Academy’s Honor Society volunteered and helped keep the event running smoothly, with members working to clean up ducks and even swimming alongside them in the channel.

Rubber ducks are tossed into the water under the London Bridge during the Western Arizona Humane Society’s 26th annual Duck Derby on Saturday. Shelby Horn/RiverScene Magazine

Duck Derby fans watch their ducks race through the water under the London Bridge during the Western Arizona Humane Society’s 26th annual Duck Derby on Saturday. Shelby Horn/RiverScene Magazine

Rubber ducks are pulled out of the water under the London Bridge by Western Arizona Humane Society staff during their 26th annual Duck Derby on Saturday. Shelby Horn/RiverScene Magazine