Photo Credit: Andrew A

When: Monday September 3rd, 2012

Because you definitely want to see thousands of rubber duckys tumble over a waterfall

There’s lots to like about Bullfinch’s Charity Duck Race. First, it takes place at the wonderfully serene Grist Mill at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury. The Grist Mill is something you expect to see on a postcard or as the October photo in a Scenes of New England calendar. But this Monday at high noon, The Grist Mill is the place where 3,000 rubber ducks get dumped into the stream above the mill for a slow float until they tumble down a waterfall to “race” to the finish line below.

Photo Credit: Mass Office of Travel & Tourism

Another thing to like about the duck race is the cause. All proceeds from a raffle benefit the UMASS Memorial Medical Center. For $5 each, raffle tickets let you adopt a duck and win (small) prizes. Luckily for you and your family, it’s nothing like going to the track and betting on the ponies. It’s actually much better.

Because the race only lasts about half an hour, a little advance planning will help you extend your stay. The Grist Mill is and idyllic setting for a family picnic. Toss a blanket in the trunk before you leave. If you need picnic supplies, Stephen Anthony’s Olde Colonial Market is a mile away. Little boys and girls will want to splash around in the stream, so crocs or similar water friendly footwear is a good idea.

Keep in mind, there aren’t any public bathrooms there. At best, there might be a temporary port-a-potty, but those are never pleasant.