It is one of the most popular events of Sheringham carnival and, this year, the Aquack-Quick duck race had added authenticity - in the shape of a real live duck named Sheldon.
The special guest, who, during term time, lives in Sheringham Primary School's garden, was brought along by teaching assistant Lisa Heir.
'The children just love her and I think she's desperate to get in the water,' she said.
After leading dozens of bright yellow plastic ducks down the beck behind Beeston Road during the semi final of the race, Sheldon watched from the sidelines as a handful of intrepid web-footed swimmers battled it out in the final.
Carnival queen Abigail Dowsett-Olby said the event was 'brilliant fun for all the family'.
'I think the whole carnival is wonderful,' she added. 'It brings the community together and it is fantastic for children as there is just so much to do.'
Carnival chairman Stuart McClean said that, in spite of heavy showers on parade day, the event so far had been a great success.
He appealed for more people to come forward to help with the annual event, either as committee members or volunteers.
'We were very lucky this year as we had some new volunteers, but we are always in need of more,' he said.
Still to come this weekend is a dog show at 1pm on Saturday at Sheringham playpark on Cromer Road, with other Saturday events including a car treasure trail setting off from the Dunstable Arms pub at 1pm and, at 12.30pm, a party on the east beach with games, hot food, magic tricks and a tide fight to music.
The final carnival day on Sunday includes a chalk-a-picture competition from 10am on the west promenade, a sandcastle and sculpture competition from 12.30pm on the west beach in front of the Leas, and a children's paper boat competition on the Leas boating lake at 2.30pm.
The torchlight procession and grand finale fireworks display kicks off at 8pm outside the Lobster pub, where lanterns will be on sale. The parade will be led to the Leas by Highland piper Dave Harper for the fireworks at 9.45pm.
For more information on becoming a carnival volunteer, visit Sheringham carnival website.
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