The Moyneyana festival favourite, which follows the Wooden and Classic Boat Festival, was run by the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club and this year included an additional race for corporate entries.

Port Fairy’s Jill Dempsey was the lucky duck overall.

Her plastic bird crossed the finishing line first, ahead of 999 other bright yellow competitors.

Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club captain Paul Buchanan said Ms Dempsey was a deserving winner of the $700 prize.

“It’s wonderful,” he said.

“She is a lovely lady who is a great community worker.”

Mr Buchanan said this was the 20th year the duck derby had been held.

“In the corporate duck race 50 local businesses bought a duck,” he said.

“In the duck derby the 1000 ducks sold out very quickly. There has been a lot of interest this year. People are always keen to secure a duck.”

Port Fairy’s Lawson Dumnesy placed second, earning him $200, while Essendon’s Elsie Holland, 8, came third, taking home $100.

The corporate duck race was taken out by Langley’s Accommodation, which took home the $1000 prize pool.

The nearby market on the wharf was busy, its stalls cramed with books, clothing, jewellery, plants and fresh produce attracting many buyers and browsers.