Fifth annual Calhoun County Duck Race
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Submitted photo Ducks take flight in a sea of yellow as over thousands of rubber ducks dumped over the Joe Page Bridge
A portion of the Illinois River will soon be filled with tiny, yellow ducks as St. Norbert’s School plans to send tons of rubber ducks racing through its waters.
The fifth ever Calhoun County Duck Race is scheduled to take place Oct.3 at the Joe Page Bridge.
The event is a fundraiser for St. Norbert’s School and all proceeds of the event will go toward improvements at the school.
The way it works is simple; each rubber duck will be assigned a number. On Oct. 3, around approximately 3p.m., the ducks will be released near the base of Joe Page Bridge. Over approximately the next hour-and-a-half, the ducks will make their way down to the Riverdock restaurant and toward the finish line. The first duck to cross the finish line wins, and the individual who has the matching number for the duck will receive a cash prize. A list of your Duck numbers will be posted before the race starts.
Danielle Hurley, who is on the committee for the duck race, “It’s a fundraiser for St. Norbert’s School, this is the fifth year we are having it,” Hurley said. “This year we only had a few weeks to put it together, and it will be a festive occasion on the river as the ducks race, so make sure to bring your lawn chairs .”
While the ducks make their way down the river towards the finish line, families can enjoy numerous activities on Water Street. Activities will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Hurley said there will be food vendors and drinks, as well as activities people can participate in and enjoy. And of course, those attending will be able to watch the ducks from the shore.
To make sure everything will run smoothly, a test run was performed to ensure the ducks would in fact make their way to the finish line.
Ducks can be purchased from any student of St. Norbert’s School and at the village of Hardin building or by calling Hurley at 618-576-2828 or 618-578-4782 or messaging Hurley on Facebook.
Ducks are $5 a piece, or available in “quack packs” of six for $25 or a whole flock of 13 ducks for $50.
A 10% of ticket proceeds will be used towards the grand prize, which Hurley said the race of 2020 paid over $1000.
