The inaugural run of the Tularosa Duck Race is set to take place from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Village of Tularosa on July 29 with activities at the St. Francis de Paula Catholic school grounds in Tularosa’s historic district. Rubber duck races will take place down the acequia madre along Encino Road, just south of the school grounds.
“Tularosa is a unique community, a diamond in the rough landscape of the New Mexican desert,” Duck Race Committee Co-Chair, Toby Pruett said. “If diamonds are simply coal put under pressure, our diverse community of artists, historians, ranchers and farmers have all been shaped by the pressure of the unforgiving landscape. Throughout history they have all come together to maintain our community’s way of life. In this oasis in the desert, the water has always provided a lifeline.”
The idea for the event came to one of the directors of the Tularosa Arts and History Council (TAHC) while preparing his property to receive irrigation one "water day" in April. He approached the TAHC board as well as the Tularosa Community Ditch Corporation, unsure what they would think of hundreds of ducks floating down the ditch system. When he shared his vision and the mission to create awareness and educate the community, the response from both groups was positive.
The event features live music including Sancho and the Sidepiece and Rosewater Blues, both Tularosa locals and crowd favorites. Master of ceremonies will be Shar Weehunt, 2022-2023 Eastern New Mexico State Fair Queen. There will be food trucks, art vendors, games for the kids (many involving water to help everyone stay cool), giveaways, and farm equipment demonstrations. Most important, there will be educational information on water preservation and how the acequia system works in Tularosa.
TAHC board member Michael Gruger said the highlight of the event will be the rubber duck races with cash prizes. The community can adopt a numbered duck for $5 or $25 for a “six quack” to compete in The Big Quack Race as well as chances to win in preliminary heat races. The first heat race starts at noon. Proceeds from the event benefit the missions of the TAHC and the TCDC and help to further educate the local community on the history and preservation of the treasured acequia system.
“Our community coming together will provide an opportunity to inspire while educating our younger generation on the importance of our historical way of life,” Pruett said. “This will allow our community to build and prosper while maintaining our historic feel. We all might just have a little fun doing it too.”
With 27 miles of ditches, this open irrigation ditch system is one of the largest acequia system in New Mexico with its inception in 1870 preceding the finalization of statehood.
In addition to the properties located in the historic 49 blocks, the original township of Tularosa, farmers and ranchers who have water rights use the water from the acequia as well.
“Although there are many people that think our food comes from the grocery store, it’s much greater than that,” Pruett said, “Agriculture is not just a job; it is a lifestyle and a way of life.”
Agricultural resources made possible by the system include several types of hay and other feeds for the livestock, as well as apples, plums, apricots, pomegranates, nectarines, figs, pecans, melons, corn, chile and many more fresh vegetables. At one time Tularosa also grew so much cotton that a cotton gin was built to be able to process and ship it. Livestock is also plentiful with cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and chickens.
“There’s a miracle in farming’” said Karen Lerner, commissioner secretary of the TCDC. “I know this because I was a farmer, but I was also a teacher, so I understand that when you can put your hands on something, the muscle memory can’t be forgotten. This event will help others put their hands on the water and helps them turn the page. You need to know where your food comes from.”
For more information on attending or being a vendor go to www.trytularosa.org or call Gruger at 505-350-4531.
For more information on the Tularosa Community Ditch Corporation visit www.tularosacommunityditch.com
