By Beth David, Editor
Scores of people showed up outside the to watch the annual duck race sponsored by the Acushnet Lions Club on 6/20/26. The club dropped 1,000 numbered ducks into the Acushnet River north of Rivers End Cafe and waited for them to go with the flow of the river, under Tarkiln Hill Road, to the back of NAPA, where they were retrieved.
The first three to go through the finish line gap paid out real money to their adoptive parents: Ray Methot, first place ($1,000); Dennis Pratt, second place ($500); Brett Casey, third place ($200). Anyone could adopt a duck for $10 with all proceeds going to Lions Club charities.
Meanwhile, at the Rivers End, Ernie and JoJo Medeiros set up an outdoor tap for the spectators. The bar has been closed since May 2, when it was Then there was a
Work is underway inside to get the place up and running soon, said Mr. Medeiros. He said all the demolition has been finished, and they are in the rebuilding phase. They took the opportunity to make a few upgrades. including the bar, stools, tables, and one of the restrooms.
“Then a fresh coat of paint,” he said.
Lots of people have been helping.
“Friends have been so supportive,” he said.
There was a flare up four days after the original fire, which started in the building next door, and it was worse than the original damage. The words was from smoke and water.
“It is awful,” said Andrea Methot. “I was sad. I didn’t want to tell my husband.”
She said she thought of the board they had with mass cards of patrons who had passed away. Mr. Medeiros said it was undamaged and got salvaged.
“It’s wrapped up, safe and sound,” he said.
He hopes to open in just a few weeks. Find them on Facebook for updates.
-
- A thousand ducks go with the flow of the Acushnet River on their way to the finish line for the Acushnet Lions Club’s annual duck race on 6/20/26. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Under the watchful eye of Aunt Joanne Cioper, young Caleb Raposo watches the ducks as they come down the Acushnet River during the Acushnet Lions Club’s annual duck race on on 6/20/26. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Acushnet Lions Club members grab the winning ducks after they cross the finish line during the Acushnet Lions Club’s annual duck race on the Acushnet River on 6/20/26. Photo by Beth David.
-
- Little Weston Cioper spontaneously hands some flowers to Jr. Miss Apple Peach, Aubrey Souza, during the Acushnet Lions Club’s annual duck race on the Acushnet River on 6/20/26. Photo by Beth David.
-
- L-R: On 6/20/26, while hosting the annual Duck Race, Ernie Medeiros talks to Andrea Methot about the renovations to the Rivers End, which was damaged by fire on 5/2/26. Photo by Beth David
•••
Click here to download the 6/25/26 issue: 06-25-26 RoadRace
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal
