In a spectacle of fun, over 1,000 rubber ducks took the plunge down the waterslides at Splash Island Waterpark on Thursday, August 28th, for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains' annual Big Duck Race fundraiser.
The event combined community spirit with a healthy dose of competition, all in support of local youth mentoring programs.
The race began with the massive flock of ducks cascading down the water slide into a holding area. When the starting barricade—constructed of pool noodles—was lifted, a few ambitious ducks immediately broke away from the pack at a breakneck pace, leaving the vast majority bobbing in their wake. Just as the lead ducks seemed destined for an easy victory, they encountered an unexpected obstacle, becoming trapped against the final barricade just shy of the finish line in the Lazy River.
This allowed the chasing mass of ducks to catch up, creating a chaotic and amusing pile-up.
In the end, it was a wave of ducks that pushed the eventual winners through to victory.
A stern talking to for unsportsmanlike ducks
Following the crowning of the top three, some of the non-winning ducks exhibited what could only be described as unsportsmanlike conduct, breaking past the barricades in a show of poor manners. Executive Director Dawn Froese confirmed the organization will be taking appropriate disciplinary measures.
“Well, absolutely. They'll be having a stern talking to, and they will have to do some kind of time out in the corner before next year's race,” Froese muses.
Funds fuel vital mentoring programs
Despite the antics of a few feathered competitors, the true winner of the day was Big Brothers Big Sisters itself. The funds raised are crucial for continuing the organization's impactful work. Froese highlighted the profound difference these mentoring programs make for local children.
“All the funds go towards mentoring opportunities for the youth in our community,” Froese says. “We know that kids in the different mentoring programs have success or an increase in social competence, being able to make friends, and school performance improves. Plus, their mental health improves just by having someone who's in their corner and who spends a bit of time with them. It's an amazing thing.”
The top prizes for the adopted ducks were $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $200 for third.
Froese extended her heartfelt thanks to the Portage la Prairie community for its unwavering support, saying, “We want to thank Mr. Mikes for sponsoring this event and for everyone who bought a ticket or sold tickets for us. This community is amazing, and thanks to everyone who came out today to watch.”
A full video of the chaotic and entertaining race is available to view below.