SUNDRE – Hundreds of rubber duckies recently raced – or perhaps more like meandered – their way down the Bearberry Creek to raise funds for the Sundre and District Aquaplex.
The eighth annual Great Bearberry Duck Race was held on July 1 under sunny clear blue skies, with all 500 available entries once again selling out to maintain a now years-long feat.
The race raised a gross income of approximately $5,000, but a bake sale that ran in conjunction with the event provided an additional boost of almost $780, said Kari McQuaid, the indoor pool and fitness centre’s manager.
The race involves dropping all of the numbered ducks upstream just below the weir with numerous volunteers dutifully standing by along the creek’s banks to ensure none get stuck or left behind, with a catching crew waiting downstream to prevent any from reaching the Red Deer River.
This year, Krystal Filipenko’s duck placed first with Cody Rivers ending up in second and Dave Larson taking third.
The prize winners had a choice between taking a cash payout or pass access to the Aquaplex.
Organizers extended their gratitude not only to all of the volunteers that made the event possible but also everybody who bought tickets to support the fundraiser that helps keep the Aquaplex afloat.
