OkotoksOnline/Harrison O'Nyons
Over 1,500 rubber ducks raced down the Sheep River on Saturday, Sept. 13.
It was the Simpora Foundation's third annual Rubber Duck Race & Family Fun Carnival.
Locals adopted ducks to compete in the race, which started at the Sheep River Bridge and finished at the Laurie Boyd Bridge.
Cash prizes were awarded for the first, second, third, and last-place ducks.
The family fun carnival took place near the finish line at Ethel Tucker Park, featuring carnival games, food trucks, and mascots from the Okotoks Oilers, Carstar Okotoks Bisons, Calgary Flames, and Okotoks Fire Department.
Funds raised from the event will be distributed to local teams and athletes through the Simpora Foundation.
The foundation’s director, Roanne Bodnarchuk, said she’s thrilled to see the event’s growth over the years.
"It is, I think, getting to be more of a tradition. I think people are starting to know about us and more of what we do, and hopefully, we'll be able to raise more funds to give back to the community, and also have more groups approach us for funding. That's another big part of it."
Simpora provides grants to local sports teams and athletes who apply, and the foundation asks for one thing in return.
"With the sponsorship, we just ask that you do a community project, an act of kindness to give back to the area," said Bodnarchuk.
The winning ducks have been posted on the Simpora Foundation's website.