1000 yellow ducks will grace the Richmond River in Ballina for a race to glory as part of the annual Ballina Duck Fest community celebration on Sunday, 8 March, from 11am to 3pm at Captain Cook Park.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, Ballina Duck Fest is a family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment, food stalls, kids’ activities, and the colourful Best Dressed Duck Competition.
Event Coordinator Wayne Crawford said each of the racing ducks has a number on its belly that corresponds to one of 1000 racing tickets purchased by the public.
“The winning duck gets Duck Fest glory, and the owner of the racing ticket gets a $500 voucher from our local Harvey Norman store,” Mr Crawford said.
2nd Prize is $300 cash donated by Launch Performance & 4×4, and 3rd Prize is $200 cash donated by Precision Kitchens & Cabinets.
People can purchase tickets for the duck race on the day for $5 for one duck, or three ducks for $10.
Mr Crawford for said adding to the excitement is the ever-popular Best Dressed Duck competition.
“Local businesses are able to purchase a larger duck prior to the event to dress up in their business image. They don’t go in the water but look very attractive on display for the best dressed duck.”
“That is a great source of income for us to pass onto local charities and community organisations. We’ve sold 145 ducks so far.”
“We’ve have also borrowed a huge duck from the Kingscliff Rotary Club for this year’s mascot, who we have called Quack.”
Quack has been a big hit on social media after being filmed parading around the streets of Ballina on a low loader.
Mr Crawford said the yellow ducks produce one of the largest fundraising events for the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, which will nominate this year’s fund recipients after Ballina Duck Fest.
Past recipients include local Surf Life Saving Clubs, Northern Rivers Animal Service, and local community radio station Paradise FM.
“We believe it’s the 34th year for Duck Fest. It used to be run by the Rotary Club of Ballina, and we took it over a few years ago when that club folded,” Mr Crawford said.
Beyond the racing action, the Ballina Duck Fest offers a relaxed family fun day atmosphere with food stalls, games, live entertainment, music, and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.
The day will also include equipment displays and demonstrations from emergency services and volunteer organisations, including Ballina Marine Rescue, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, and Northern Rivers Animal Services.
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