The Fort Lupton Optimist Club held their annual Ducks Across the Rockies Duck Race on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the corner of Weld County Roads 6 and 19. 

Water levels were higher this year with a little warmer than average water temperature, but that didn’t seem to bother the ducks at all. Leading the flock and swimming across the finish line first was Duck #998, earning Zo Hubbard a fabulous $300 first prize. Coming in a very close second was Duck #928, owned by Jeremiah Moorhead, pictured at left with President Dennis Gesterling, who returned his prize of $100 to the Optimist Club as a donation. Third place and the winner of $25 was Duck #30, owned by Jo Cochrane. The fourth place duck was #882, owned by Jay Shaw, earning him $25. The fifth place duck was #312, owned by Shawn Wells and Jim Roedel, who also donated their $25 prize back to the club. Sixth place was Duck #628, owned by Todd Schroeder; seventh place was #408, owned by Bohdi O’Neil, who donated his winnings back to the Optimist Club. Eighth place was Duck #479, owned by Eagle Trucking, and the ninth-place finisher was Duck #327, owned by Michelle Bettger. Crossing the finish line in last place, exhausted and requiring oxygen, was Duck #100, owned by Gwen Ceretto, earning her a whopping $100. 

After the race the ducks were gathered, fed and penned and will be kept safe until next September when they will once again be ready to swim to the finish for their owners. The Optimist Club would like to send a very special “thank you” to everyone who purchased duck tickets. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to fund our various projects held throughout the year, all benefiting the youth of our community. Our organization could not exist without your continued kindness and support. If you would like to learn more about or join the Fort Lupton Optimist Club, contact Steve Moore at 303-378-0965 or check out our Facebook page, Fort Lupton Optimist Club, or send us an email at floptimistclub@gmail.com.