This Week's 'Bob' misses out on the winner's circle
May 10, 2008 - 05:06 PM
By Michelle Faulkner
WHITBY - It was a beautiful day for a duck race.
Hundreds of people gathered at D’Hillier Park, in Whitby, on Saturday, to cheer on more than 4,000 rubber ducks as they raced down the creek.
Before the race there was plenty for families to do. A huge picnic area was set up with a barbecue. Children had their choice of several activities including a beanbag toss, face painting and a huge jumping castle.
After spending a few hours enjoying food and games, the group moved to the creek for the race that started at 1 p.m. They stretched from the opening gate to the finish line a few hundred feet away to cheer on the ducks.
Kids blew bubbles from their duck containers as they anxiously awaited the release of the yellow creatures.
Each duck participating in the race had a number printed on the bottom, which corresponded with a ticket number. Tickets were sold for $3 each. Although tickets were on sale prior to race day, people lined up at 9 a.m. to get their tickets for the big race.
As the ducks were dumped into the creek, cheers from the spectators grew louder. The gates were lifted and the ducks made their way down the creek, where the first ducks to make it to the finish were sectioned off.
In the end there were eight big winners. The prize for first place was $1,500, second won $750, third received $500 and $100 was given for ducks which finished in fourth to eighth place.
Whitby Councillor Elizabeth Roy, who volunteered at the duck race, said the day was a success.
“(We are) tremendously happy. Today was supposed to be 14 (C) and cloudy but it’s bright and beautiful,” Ms. Roy said. “Compared to last year the water was faster because the current was a little bit higher. It was very quick this year.”
Whitby This Week's Bob the Duck was preparing for the race a few weeks in advance. His practice video was posted online last week as he made his way down the creek. On race day, Bob’s fans cheered him on as he swam with his fellow ducks.
Unfortunately, Bob didn’t win the race. But he is proud that he did his best for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds from the Great Little Duck Race will go towards children’s activities at the Whitby County Town Carnival on June 28, at Cullen Central Park.
Look for Bob at the race next year, as he plans on training full-time from now until spring.
Recommend :
Latest News
Oshawa bank robbedOSHAWA -- The Durham police canine unit hunted for a suspect after a bank robbery in east Oshawa this afternoon.Sergeant Steve Jones said police officers detained a man who...
Durham drug cops announce $3M bustDURHAM -- Dozens of people have been arrested and drugs with an estimated street value in excess of $3 million have been seized in a massive strike by Durham police against...
Newcastle area asked to conserve water nowDURHAM -- Anyone connected to municipal water in Newcastle is asked to conserve use immediately. The Newcastle water supply plant, which also serves Newtonville, has had...
Hijacked rig unloaded in AjaxAJAX -- A trucker who was hijacked in Mississauga was taken to Ajax where his cargo of electronics was unloaded and stolen, police have confirmed. The incident occurred on the...
Pickering fireworks vendors robbed on Canada DayPICKERING -- Two armed bandits made off with cash after they robbed fireworks vendors in Pickering on Canada Day. Durham police said the two employees had closed their storage...
Boy, 15, charged in Pickering sex assaultPICKERING -- A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the sexual assault of a woman who was attacked in her Pickering home in February. It's believed the suspect is a former...
Suspect in numerous Durham break-ins bustedDURHAM -- A suspect in more than 40 break-ins in Durham Region has been arrested and police continue to investigate potential links to other incidents. Durham police picked up...
Sentenced to life in Pickering murder, Cyr denies guiltWHITBY -- Even as he was being sentenced to prison with a judge's recommendation he never be released, convicted killer Paul Cyr forcefully denied any role in the murder of a...
Five Durham beaches posted unsafe for swimming
DURHAM --Five beaches in Durham Region are considered unsafe for swimming after the most recent water quality tests. Elgin Pond has been posted with a caution against...
Cops disperse pot party in Oshawa
OSHAWA -- A small crowd which gathered for what was billed as a "Cannabis Day" celebration at Alexandra Park in Oshawa has been met by almost a dozen police...