The race, that sees thousands of plastic ducks dumped into the creek in a tidal race to the finish line, is one of the time-honoured Easter traditions in Port Macquarie.

Lions' duck race coordinator John Fulton says the cancellation of the 2020 event was a "sad day".

He said the club is honouring already-completed ticket sales and will now hold a raffle draw in its place.

"We are not holding the duck race because of the crowd restrictions," he said.

"Because we had started selling tickets to business houses and the public, we are now honouring those sold tickets with the raffle.

"No more tickets will be sold though.

"The draw will take place sometime over Easter and we will advise everyone when that date is confirmed."

Mr Fulton said the winners' prize pool was still cash for the public section and holiday accommodation for the business category.

Any remaining funds will be distributed to Liberty Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services.

"This is disappointing given that we do put a lot of planning and work into running the duck race each year," he said.

"But we are still getting a result for everyone concerned, but it is just not the excellent result we normally get.

"The Easter Sunday morning event attracts a strong crowd and we raise around $15,000. We will not get anywhere near that this year."

Mr Fulton said anyone who has already purchased a ticket should remember that their ticket remains valid.

"I guess this is just one of many things that people are impacted by these days," Mr Fulton said.

"But we will certainly be back bigger and better than ever in 2021.

"We will absolutely be there for sure."

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