By Nathan Duke
Staff Writer

The annual Auburn Duck Race will be accompanied by a parade for the first time in 10 years as a result of one resident diligence and extensive planning.

The annual duck race is over quickly, as the ducks go over the Sucker Brook falls and head to the finish line. The first duck over wins its owner a prize. (File Photo)

For weeks, Norm Bouley has been spreading himself thin to put the finishing touches on the first parade at the town Annual Duck Race in a decade. However, his participation in planning the Saturday, Sept. 10, event extends far beyond the parade.

Bouley has personally sold more than 100 tickets to the duck race, as well as contacted local radio and television stations, sought sponsors for the event, worked on the graphic design for duck race advertisements, sent e-mails and spread topsoil, hay and fertilizer at the dam in Auburn Village, where the race will occur.

Bouley, who works for the Washington, D.C.,-based International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said planning the day has proven to be a challenge.

"I have set up international trade conferences overseas," he said. "This is my first parade. It is much more complicated, by far.

There is so much to it. I feel like a lighthouse keeper because I have been (mostly) working alone."

He said the duck race has been without a parade for so long because of the extensive planning involved.

"In the past, nobody wanted to step up to the plate, take charge and make it happen," he said.

Bouley said volunteers are still needed to assist with the day events, including general chores, traffic control and parking. So far, there are about 16 volunteers to help with the event and about 10 more are needed, he said.

The theme of the parade will be "Star Spangled Forever - Honoring Those Who Serve." Bouley said the parade will be an opportunity to extend thanks not only to the military, but also to local law enforcement, firefighters, Scouting groups and Lions Club members.

Bouley organized the parade through the Auburn Lions Club, of which he is the vice president and chairman of the parade committee, and in conjunction with the Auburn Historical Society, which is responsible for planning the duck race.

He said the parade theme should prove to be popular and that the historical society has done a good job of engaging the town interest in the event in past years.

"It will be popular because of patriotic flair in town," he said. "A lot of people have put their care and time into this. We want people to get involved in their hometown."

Bouley said he has tried to spread the word to all of Southern New Hampshire to try and gather as many communities as possible for the event. He has contacted area radio and television stations, as well as media outlets in towns such as Laconia and Portsmouth to help raise the attendance at the parade and duck race.

Bouley said his job with the teamsters and his parade planning share some similarities.

"(Planning the event) falls into place with my job," he said. "It all revolves around helping people."

Tickets for the duck race can be purchased through the Auburn Historical Society, as well as at Myles Travel Plaza, which has already sold about 500 tickets, said Bouley.

The parade, which will begin at 10:30 a'm. at Bunker Hill Road, will feature the New Hampshire State Police Drill Team, Miss New Hampshire, the Manchester Memorial High School Band, the New Hampshire National Guard, the Army Reserve, Helmets to Hardhats, classic cars, fire trucks and a variety of other participants.

The duck race will follow the parade, as well as performances by historical musician Bob Kilham and rhythm and blues band Rhumboogie. Food and drink will be sold by the historical society and the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department.

The fire department will hold a bonfire at 6 p'm. at Preston Beach and a fireworks show, sponsored by Myles Travel Plaza, will follow.

Parking for the day events will be available at the Auburn Village School, Auburn Town Hall, the playground, along Route 121 and other areas marked with signs. Handicapped parking will be located in front of the school, where a shuttle bus will transport people to the festivities.