Most liked posts in thread: Ducked at the Dragon

From a pamphlet at MINIs On Top:

“It all began with a Duck…

The Big Duck, a well-known landmark, started it all. This landmark sits by a road in Hampton, Long Island and was happened upon during a MINI gathering some years ago. A one of a kind individual whom we all grew to love, frequented many an event; his name was Ed “MAXANINI†Smith. Ed drove a 203 MCS, Electric Blue with white wheels, in Ed’s case it was Eccentric Blue. During Ed’s visit to the Long Island icon he was fascinated with the Big Duck and purchased a rubber duck souvenir at the gift shop. That duck immediately found a place on MAXAMINI’s antenna. Ever since then, the duck became an icon displayed on the MINIs of owners whom Ed met, greeted, or known.

Ed was always willing to lend a hand; he volunteered his time and good humor to MINIs on Top and the Make-A-Wish Toy runs. Ed’s dedication and enthusiasm ran endlessly, making friends and wise-cracking his way around the globe via MINI forums. When Ed met you for the first time he would present you with a duck. When you pass a MINI in your travels, take notice as to how many MINI owners sport a yellow rubber duck, all thanks to Ed.

Ed passed away suddenly in the summer of 2005. The worldwide outpouring of affection for Ed demonstrated how one man could bond so many from England, Australia, the U.S., and beyond with a simple rubber duck.

If you are fortunate to receive a Duck somewhere in your travels this is the story behind it. Please accept the Duck in memory of Ed. If you have a collection of ducks of ducks you have been around a while and understand. For those of you with a new “Duck-less MINI†please display it proudly. It’s always an excellent reminder to not take yourself too seriously and have fun!!â€

I've heard of others continuing the tradition, so to speak. Perhaps this is related to the recent 'ducking'?

-Jim

 

I got the racing duck and know who did it, but I'm no squealer. :nonod:

Jim

 

Racinduck huh.... No Justaduck?

 

I got my duck last year. He has a helmet, flames and the number 8 on his side. I named him Ocho Fuego

He always rides with me, but sometimes for his own safety he's in the glove box. He's my little driving buddy

 

Mine was a duck with a sombrero, didnt even know when I got it found it in my back seat.

 

I got the racing one as well....

 

I think I know the culprit responsible. I'm checking with them. Mine was a "green" recycling duck.

 

Don't know what they're about, but I got a 'dead duck' after the brewswap. Made me mad.

 

I thought it was funny. I got a donut on my antennae last year. Don't think I'll eat the duck though. :lol:

Jim

 

I got the save the ta tas duck! Was very excited to be included in the tradition.

The ducks are kinda chewy, more so than a donut, less so than a bagel.

Thanks for posting this.

 

I have a few ducks from over the years but didn't get one this year .

I still remember the memorial service pics for Ed and the hundreds of ducks involved. It was a very moving tribute to a loved man.

 

I heard about Ed on my first MINI get together this winter. I was given a small glow in the dark duck that's been on my dash since then. At the Dragon, I found a hunter-duck on my roof, who now sits proudly next to glow in the dark duck.

 

This is the kind of thing that makes people feel like they are part of a family... Good on Ed, and good on everyone who follows in his footsteps. I'm not there at this event, but I am learning and liking what this group is about.

:cornut:

 

We found a derby wearing duck on our roof when we returned from Friday night's karaoke. Now that I know its story, I'm proud to have it. Hope that Ed's spirit abides as long as we have MINIs.

 

Neat story. My racing duck now holds a place on honor, in the garage over my tool box, among all the MINI posters.

Jim

 

I got a duck, but someone stole my 8 ball off my antenna!

 

I have several duckies in my glove box, but I plan on getting some velcro so they'll have a place to stick to and not roll around the car.

 

I got one, too. I don't know who did it but I just want to say "Thanks"!!

Long live the duck!!

 

Save the Ta Tas, baby! That's duck #3 for our collection!!! Come to Mickey and MINI 8 in Orlando this September and you might find a few more!!:beer