Big Duck Holiday Lighting Scheduled

FLANDERS, NY — The Big Duck is getting decked out for the holidays.

The holiday lighting of the Big Duck in Flanders is slated to take place on Nov. 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event will feature a visit from Quackerjack, duck carols led by students from the Riverhead Middle School show choir, refreshments and the arrival of Santa Claus by fire truck.

According to Suffolk County officials, the Big Duck, which overlooks Reeves Bay, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was the vision of Long Island duck farmer Martin Maurer and designed by Broadway set designers the Collins Brothers and crafted by locals George Reeve, John Smith, and Merlin Yeager in 1931.

"Originally nesting in Riverhead, our fine-feathered friend has waddled three times and now rests in its most popular and familiar settling, Big Duck Ranch," a release said. "Roadside architecture designed to promote what is sold inside is now commonly known as 'Duck Architechture', in honor of the whimsical granddaddy of them all."

The Big Duck is open year round, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 631-852-3377.

Patch courtesy photo, YouTube video.