PENDLETON — A bright yellow, 8-foot-tall inflatable duck has been popping up around Pendleton this summer, attracting the attention of many passers-by.
That’s exactly what coordinators of the Friends of the Pendleton Library’s Lucky Duck Race are hoping for.
The group is trying to drum up interest for the fifth annual Lucky Duck Race set for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Falls Park.
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The library group is working with local sponsors who have requested the duck — a.k.a. “Big Quacker” — come and hang out with them for the day in support of an adopt-the-duck event in preparation for the duck race.
Patrons can pay $5 to adopt-the-duck and receive a rubber duck entry in the race, which takes place in Fall Creek, while helping raise funds for the library.
The funds raised from sponsors and the $5 duck adoptions help fund programs sponsored by the Friends group, including summer reading programs for children, teens and adults; Donuts with Daddy; Morning with Mommy; The Learning Kitchen; Friends’ Café; Holiday Open House and Gingerbread Contest, race coordinator Coco Bill said.
Organizers plan to race 500 rubber ducks this year. People who sign up for the race receive duck adoption papers and more for their donation.
“Big Quacker” is the mascot for the Lucky Duck Race. He was introduced last year and has become a celebrity of sorts around town, organizers said.
Coordinators have taken the big yellow duck on the road since July 1 and will continue to do so through August at various sponsor locations around town.
“It’s been a lot of fun for families to find and discover the duck as he adorns the front porches, sidewalks and venues around town,” said Jan Carey, event organizer.
She had her two grandsons with her recently, and they’ve had an adventure trying to hunt down the duck during the summer.
This year, the Friends group has added a name-the-duck contest associated with the event and are inviting the public to participate and give “Big Quacker” a new official name, which he will wear next year.
“The name-the-duck contest is a way to engage the community into the fun,” Bill said.
Anyone wishing to take part can visit the Pendleton Community Library circulation desk or a Big Quacker event to fill out a form to suggest a name.
Participation in the name-the-duck contest is free, and there will be a prize package for the winner.
In late August, the Friends group will play host to a voting poll on their Facebook page and announce the winner Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Lucky Duck Race Finish Line Party.
The Finish Line Party will be near the falls in the park.
DJ “Push Play” will play some ducky tunes, and the library friends group will play host to a chuck-a-duck game, sidewalk chalk art, ducky temporary tattoos and more.
The Pendleton Heights Middle School drum core will perform as the ducks cross the finish line.
The Lucky Duck Race coincides with Day 2 of the Fall Creek Heritage Fair in Falls Park.
There are about 20 duck adoption events scheduled throughout Pendleton leading up to and including the Heritage Fair.