Caron Rocha adopted “Panda” along with 12 other ducks for the 2017 Allens Pond Duck Derby and Panda delivered.

The yellow rubber duck took first place and presented her owner with the task of deciding where to travel with her grand prize of two round-trip tickets, two nights of lodging and a free dinner to look forward to — anywhere in the world.

Ms. Rocha has selected Hawaii, the second time in the event’s 14 years that that destination has been chosen

“Thank you for the amazing opportunity to travel anywhere in the world for dinner,” Ms. Caron said. “ We would like to include as many family members as possible on our great adventure so we have chosen to travel to Hawaii.  We hope to spend our trip exploring in nature, hiking a volcano and visiting wildlife preserves.  We would love to visit a sea turtle rescue center and of course, try some surfing. 

“For our dinner, we are planning to go to Morimoto Maui, owned by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Jen Costa, programs administrator for the sanctuary, said of Ms. Caron, “Not only did she adopt ducks, but she volunteers with her kids at the race site each year as a duck wrangler, loading the net with 5000-plus racing ducks and then helping to collect them from the site at race completion.  We can’t wait to see their trip photos and hear about their adventures in Hawaii.” 

Previous winners’ destinations, in addition to Hawaii, include India, Aruba, Zambia, New Zealand, Tanzania, China, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, France (twice) and Ecuador. 

Over $50,000 was raised at this year’s event and 100% of the funds directly support the work done at the Allens Pond wildlife sanctuary; ecological management, land protection and stewardship and environmental education for all ages.

Visit www.massaudubon.org/allenspond to adopt ducks online for next year’s race.