Duck fest draws big crowd

BALLINA Duck Fest drew a large crowd to the Richmond River as hundreds of rubber ducks raced for charity.

The event has been running for 34 years and is now organised by the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond.

Duck Fest is a key fundraiser supporting grassroots projects and charities across the Northern Rivers.

Hundreds of numbered rubber ducks were released into the river for the race.

Organisers added a giant inflatable, live entertainment and family activities to help create a fun day for all ages.

The attractions helped transform the riverside into a lively carnival setting ahead of the main race.

Prizes worth $1000 were on offer through ticket sales, with Rotary club members working hard to promote the event.

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

“We really wanted to focus on the kids this year and made sure we had enough colour and events organised.”

Money raised from the event supports local community groups and Rotary programs run throughout the year.

The best dressed duck competition was another highlight, with local businesses and community groups decorating ducks in colourful themes.

The ducks were displayed in River Street ahead of the event.

Emergency services and volunteer organisations including Ballina Marine Rescue and Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue also attended the day with displays and demonstrations.