8/7/03
Duck Royalty Pageant
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Dave Johnson/ dave@swnm.com /(505) 544-3483 469-4650

(Deming)--Have you ever had the desire to waddle in public and feather your
nest with great prizes and cash?  If so, then plan to be a part of Great
American Duck Race Duck Royalty Pageant, August 21st.
   Pageant Quacker Diana Chadborn is very excited about this year's contest.
Chadborn said "we have increased the prizes for the Duck Queen (or King) with
the winner taking home $500 in cash, plus a three day two night stay at the 
Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, Nevada".
   As in past years, there will be five divisions.  Just Hatched for ages
0-1, a non-walking category; Little Waddler for ages 2-4; Downey Duckling,
ages 5-8; Darling Ducklings, ages 9-12 and the Duck Queen or King for those
13 and up.
   Contestants are judged on their costume originality and duck waddle, a
3-5 minute duck routine, normally set to music, and an interview.  That
interview will be based on general fowl knowledge, poise and overall ability
to represent the Great American Duck Race, and anything else the judges may
"quack" up.  All entries must follow this year's theme, Heroes of America.
Judging is based on points, with the highest score named "Duck Queen/King
2003".
   Prizes are as follows:
   Just Hatched:  $25 cash, T-Shirt, Duck Race Entry, sash, $25 savings
bond from First New Mexico Bank, plus gifts donated by local merchants.
   Little Waddler:  $50 cash, T-Shirt, Duck Race Entry, sash, $25 savings
bond from First New Mexico Bank, plus other gifts.
   Downey Duckling:  $75 cash, T-Shirt, Duck Race Entry, sash, $25 savings
bond from First New Mexico Bank, and other gifts.
   Darling Duckling:  $100 cash, T-Shirt, Duck Race Entry, sash, $50 savings
bond from First New Mexico Bank, plus other gifts.
   Duck Queen (or King):  $500 cash, three days and two nights at the
Edgewater Casino (transportation not included), flowers, T-Shirt, Duck
Race Entry, sash, $100 savings bond from First New Mexico Bank, tiara, plus
other gifts from local merchants.
   There is no charge to enter the contest.  The deadline to sign up is
Monday, August 18th.  Special music must be at Circle S Western Emporium at
400 W. Pine in Deming before 5pm that day.
   Chadborn said "with the increase in prize money we expect a lot more 
contestants.  Guys as well as gals are welcome to participate."
   Entry forms are available at Circle S Western Emporium, the Deming Luna
County Chamber of Commerce, Southwestern New Mexico On-Line, or downloadable
at www.demingduckrace.com.
   Spectators are welcome at the pageant, which begins at 6:30pm on
Thursday, August 21st.  The cost to attend is $3 per person.
   If you have specific questions on the pageant, contact Chadborn at
Circle S Western Emporium, (505) 546-8304.
   The Great American Duck race is an annual festival the fourth weekend in
August.  Beside the Royalty Pageant other events include Hot Air Balloons, 
Tournament of Ducks Parade, Green Chile Cookoff, Tortilla Toss, Belt Buckle
raffle, dances, bingo, entertainment, and live duck races on both a wet and
dry track.
   For more information on the duck race visit the website at 
www.demingduckrace.com, or call toll free at (888) 345-1125.
   The Great American Duck Race is sponsored in part by Border Foods of Deming.