Due to the ongoing power outage and continuing accumulation of snow on the Las Vegas campus, non-essential operations and classes are canceled for the remainder of the day, Monday, November 4, 2024.

Going Quackers Duck Race

Highlands University student Kevin Rael prepares to launch a round of rubber ducks in last year’s Going Quackers Duck Race. This year’s race will be June 9.

Las Vegas, N.M. — Rubber ducks will be swimming the waters of the Gallinas River in Las Vegas June 9 for the second annual New Mexico Highlands University’s Going Quackers fundraiser for student scholarships.

Meet at 11 a.m. on the banks of the Gallinas just south of the bridge on Bridge Street to cheer for your little ducky in the race. This year, the specially ordered cowgirl and cowboy ducks sport cowboy hats, bandanas and lassos.

The university’s Alumni Office is sponsoring Going Quackers to raise money for a new scholarship that the Las Vegas Alumni Chapter is sponsoring.

“This duck race is a fun way to kick off summer along the Gallinas while raising money for student scholarships,” said Mark Bentley, who coordinates alumni chapter development. “It will be a ducky day for Highlands and we hope the community will join us.”

First prize for the duck race is $100. Other prizes include gift certificates from local merchants such as Tome on the Range.

Purchase your rubber duck for $5 each or $20 for a flock of five.  

Advance tickets are available at the Foundation/Alumni Office, Margaret Kennedy Alumni Hall, 905 University Ave. Tickets will also be available from 10 — 10:45 a.m. the morning of the race at the Gallinas River location.

For more information, call Bentley at 505-429-5853.