Big quacks ahead as giant inflatable arrives for Ballina Duck Fest

THE Ballina Rotary-on-Richmond Club is ramping up preparations for its annual Duck Fest, with a giant inflatable and festival-style entertainment set for this year’s event.

Hundreds of bright yellow toy ducks will race down the Richmond River from Captain Cook Park on Sunday, March 8.

There is also a corporate competition, which helps raise funds for local charities and community initiatives.

The event will feature a best dressed duck competition where local businesses decorate a duck to be judged.

The best dressed ducks are displayed in River Street in the lead-up to the event to help promote it.

Event organiser Wayne Crawford said Duck Fest was all about bringing fun and community spirit to Ballina.

The race was first held in 1992 with the rotary club running it for the third time since taking the reins in 2023.

“We like to make Ballina a fun place, and this is something we took on a few years ago to keep that tradition going” he said.

“We’re doing a lot to make sure the kids are entertained this year, and we encourage people to dress up like a duck if they can.

“It’s a chance to enjoy the riverside setting while supporting local community initiatives.”

People can buy tickets for the race at $5 for one duck or three ducks for $10.

Each duck is numbered, and the owner of the winning duck will receive a $500 Harvey Norman voucher.

The day will include equipment displays and demonstrations from emergency services and volunteer organisations, including Ballina Marine Rescue, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue and Northern Rivers Animal Services.

There will also be food stalls, games, live entertainment, music and other kids activities.

Proceeds from the day will go toward ongoing support of rotary club projects which run across the region.