Peabody Hotel Duck March
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee is well-known for a variety of reasons. It is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, representing Southern hospitality and charm. Over the years, it has housed innumerable celebrities, dignitaries, and everyday tourists. But, maybe the most renowned inhabitants of the Peabody are not even human. They are the stars of a daily ritual known as the Peabody Duck March, and are a bunch of ducks.
The Peabody Duck March has been a tradition since the 1930s. According to legend, it all began when a group of duck hunters who frequented the hotel’s bar decided it would be funny to release some of their live decoys into the hotel’s fountain. The hotel’s general manager decided to make the ducks permanent residents of the Peabody after discovering that they were a hit with guests.
Today, the Peabody’s ducks reside in a rooftop “Duck Palace” complete with a fountain, a small pond, and numerous comforting amenities. Every morning at 11 a.m., the “Duckmaster” leads the ducks from their palace to the hotel’s lobby. The Duckmaster leads the ducks around the hotel’s magnificent lobby to the tune of John Philip Sousa’s “King Cotton March” while wearing a customary red coat and top hat. As hotel guests watch and snap photographs, the ducks swim in the fountain once they reach it.
At 5 p.m. each day, the Duckmaster reverses the parade and returns the ducks to their palace. This event, known as the Peabody Duck March, has become one of the most cherished traditions in Memphis. It is free and open to the public, attracting tourists from around the globe.
The Peabody Hotel takes its heritage of serving duck very seriously. The health and happiness of the ducks are ensured by a group of professionals. They are fed a specific diet, get routine veterinary examinations, and are handled with the highest care and respect. A “Duck Palace” manager manages the ducks’ daily routine and ensures they have all they require.
The Duckmaster is an additional important character in the Peabody Duck March. Each Duckmaster is selected with great care based on their expertise in the ducks and their ability to lead the procession with elegance and dignity. Anthony Petrina, the current Duckmaster, has been with Peabody for almost 20 years and is a valued member of the Memphis community. He is renowned for his quick wit, extensive knowledge of the hotel’s history, and fondness for ducks.
The Peabody Duck March is a quaint and endearing custom, but it also has a deeper meaning. The ducks have become a symbol of Peabody’s dedication to service and hospitality. They remind us that even tiny acts can have a significant impact on the lives of others. As stated on Peabody’s website, “the ducks are not the major attraction; they merely serve as the vehicle for our message of hospitality and generosity.”
In addition to the daily Duck March, the Peabody Hotel provides other duck-themed events and facilities. Visitors can savor “Duck Gumbo” in the hotel’s restaurant, purchase duck-themed items in the gift store, and even stay in a room overlooking the Duck Palace. Guests can dine with the current Duckmaster and learn about the history and culture of Peabody’s duck legacy at the hotel’s annual “Duckmaster’s Dinner.”
The Peabody Hotel Duck March is an experience that embodies the spirit of Memphis and the Peabody Hotel. It demonstrates the strength of tradition and the significance of tiny acts of kindness in our daily lives. The ducks are not only a charming feature, but also a sign of Peabody’s dedication to quality and service.
If you are considering a trip to Memphis, you cannot miss the Peabody Duck March. It is a free, family-friendly activity that guests of all ages are certain to enjoy. And while you’re there, be sure to explore the remainder of the Peabody Hotel and all of its amenities. The Peabody is certainly a Memphis treasure, with its exquisite accommodations and world-class restaurants, as well as its rich history and Southern charm.
In conclusion, the Peabody Hotel Duck March is a unique and cherished event that has captivated the hearts of Memphis residents and visitors for almost eight decades. It demonstrates the strength of tradition and the significance of hospitality and kindness in our everyday lives. Be sure to visit the Peabody and witness the enchantment of the Duck March for yourself the next time you’re in Memphis. You will not be dissatisfied.