AN inaugural live duck race was the highlight of the 11th Nhill Duck and Jazz Festival at the weekend.
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Committee acting chairwoman Lesley Gordon said the 'brilliant' swimming race attracted 500 people with bids to race a duck ranging from $65 to $200 plus.
"We even had a phone bid," Mrs Gordon said.
"There were three heats and the ducks that won those heats went into a final, but the races were even closer than last year's Melbourne Cup.
"We had two photographers standing at the end of each pen to take photos because it was neck and neck every race."
Mrs Gordon said the 'owner' of the winning duck, Peter Harris of Nhill, received a trophy.
She said even though the weather was warm during the race on Friday, families were not deterred.
"People just kept coming with families upon families and there were opportunities for children to pat the ducks," she said.
"It was such a warm night we had children splashing in Nhill Lake and all money raised went towards the upkeep of the lake."
Mrs Gordon said a Saturday morning market and a Sunday inter-church worship service were well attended.
She said Thursday night's annual art show was a great success with 150 works of art on display.
The annual gala ball on Saturday night had 150 guests and students from Nhill College served food and drinks.
"The aim of the Nhill Duck and Jazz Festival is to generate income in the town and give community groups, service clubs, churches and schools the opportunity to fund-raise," Mrs Gordon said.
"The Lions club sold cool drinks, the IGA sold fruit salad and the Murray to Moyne team had a barbecue and all sold out."
Mrs Gordon thanked major sponsor Luv-a-Duck and organisers Betty Jose, Sandra Speakman, Kathryn Clohesy, Graeme Jago, Rob Gersch, Ian Marra, John Rethus and David Crouch for their efforts, including building a duck racing pen.
