The race is on to see which rubber duck will claim first place in this year’s Ardmore Duck Race.
Two thousand ducks will make their way down the Beaver River as part of the 28th annual duck race on Sunday, June 2. The event kicks off at 11 a.m., with free family-based activities, followed by the race at 1 p.m.
”It’s not something to miss,” expressed Stacy Slipchuk, co-coordinator for the event and secretary for the school’s parent council. “It’s pretty cool if you’ve never seen it before.”
The race was started as a way of raising money for Ardmore School, in order to cover costs like the 4H program that may pop-up during the year. A majority of the funds this year will go towards an outdoor classroom.
The Ardmore Fire Department will notify attendees the race is underway by sounding an air horn.
Fire chief Dana Swigart said, “Everybody rushes to the bridge. We have traffic control there, and... 15 minutes later or so, the ducks cross under the bridge and we capture them.”
Families watch from the riverbanks and cheer on the duck they purchased as part of the fundraiser.
Slipchuk described the tickets as a “hot commodity” leading up to the event.
That’s because the first five ducks across the finish line are rushed to officials, where an announcement is made for who walks away with one of the top prizes.
Over the years, the support from the community has been instrumental in the fundraiser’s success, explained Slipchuk.Along with the race, families are invited to take part in free activities.
”There will be face painting, sparkle tattoos, and some kids’ games. We have a big splash booth, which allows the kids to get their teachers and friends wet,” detailed Slipchuk. “We also have the Ardmore Fire Department that helps us out big time. They bring their trucks, which is great for the kids to get to look at and honk the horn.”
With the event quickly approaching, Slipchuk encouraged those interested to purchase a ticket to support the school and have a chance to race a duck down a river.
”Ardmore School has been here for a long time, and we’re hoping to stay. Our numbers are really going up, and we’re positive that if we continue to get the community support and getting more people out to the duck race to see what our school is all about,” noted Slipchuk.
Tickets can be purchased at Ardmore School, Ardmore M&M Mini Mart, and Northern Lights Truck Stop.
