THE DUCK LIGHTING

As many of you know, Bill loved Ducks. One of the things we both recalled from our youth was the Duck building that we passed on trips to Montauk. I found this news item that I know I would have shared with him, so I share it with you.

Long Island Celebrates Holiday Season With 'Duck-Lighting' Ceremony

FLANDERS, N.Y. (AP) -- Who needs Rockefeller Center when you have the Big Duck?

It was 1931 when construction workers at Rockefeller Center put up a modest Christmas tree to begin what would become one of New York City's greatest traditions. That same year, a Long Island farmer decided to build a giant duck-shaped shop where he could sell fresh ducks and eggs by the side of the road.

Seventy-five years later, as millions watch Christina Aguilera, Sting and Bette Midler perform at the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting, a much smaller group will gather 75 miles to the east to light the Big Duck.

A volunteer fire department, a middle-school choir and local baseball team mascot named "Quacker Jack'' will light up the 20-foot-tall duck. Santa Claus will arrive atop a fire truck and youngsters will sing carols.

The duck will be decorated with a huge wreath around its neck and holiday garland and lights around its base.

The Big Duck is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the 1950s and '60s, Long Island boasted about 70 duck farms, raising $6.5 million birds annually and contributing two-thirds of the nation's duck output.

Today, Long Island is down to three farms that raise about two million ducks annually - about ten percent of the nation's output.