In 1933, students organized an aquatic carnival at Beebe Lake, complete with boat races, canoe tilting, and a Donald Duck Derby, officiated by Daisy Farrand, wife of then-president Livingston Farrand.

The fraternities and sororities sponsored contenders including Pearl S. Duck, the Duck of York, and Tri-Delt's Duck Duck Duck. While many of the 53 entries were paralyzed by fear at the sound of the starting shot, Moby Duck, a wild mallard, promptly took off for Canada.

Mrs. Farrand disqualified Moby on grounds that the competition was not an aviation meet and awarded the prize to Ducky Strike, sponsored by the Syracuse chapter of Psi Upsilon.