Get quacking for Ballina duck race

UP TO 1000 rubber ducks will race down the Richmond River on Sunday, November 10, as part of the annual Ballina Community Duck Race.

The event, organised by Ballina Rotary-on-Richmond, will also feature a best dressed duck competition, in which local businesses decorate a duck to be judged.

There will also be face painting, kids’ games, a sausage sizzle and other food offerings from Lennox Smokin’ Barrel, OMG Donuts and Bay Kids Sno Cones.

“It’s a great family day out,” Ballina Rotary-on-Richmond director Michael Jones said. “We have developed it into a real party atmosphere, with food, stalls, games and competitions.”

People interested in taking part in the duck race can purchase a ticket to enter one duck for $5 or three ducks for $10.

Each of the ducks are numbered and if the winning duck matches the number on their ticket they receive a $500 voucher from Harvey Norman. Second and third places are rewarded with cash amounts of $300 and $200.

Business owners can also buy a larger duck to decorate in a theme relevant to their company.

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

A team of three people judges the ducks a few days before the event, and there is also a People’s Choice award.

Money raised from the event will benefit local not-for-profit organisations, including Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue, Dementia Inclusive Ballina Alliance, Ballina Library community projects, Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club. “Rotary is one of the few organisations where 100 per cent of the money collected goes back to the community – there’s no administration costs,” Mr Jones said.

The event will be held at Fawcett Park from 11am to 3pm on Sunday November 10.

For more information and tickets, visit trybooking.com/CUQMI