Fuchsia Dragon | [email protected]
One thousand rubber ducks bobbed their way along the Miette River on Sunday, racing to the finish line, vying to win their owners $1,000.
It was Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society and Jasper Right to Read Society’s 28th annual duck race, raising money for the two local causes.
And Sept. 27, families lined the banks near the Miette bridge on Highway 16 at 1 p.m. to watch the ducks go splashing in.
Ann Thomas, fundraising coordinator for Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society, said: “It was very festive. It was a beautiful day and we had visitors stopping at the top asking what was going on, getting tickets and taking photos.
“It was so nice to see lots of kids and families come out and enjoy it.”
It took about an hour for the ducks to make their way along the river, escorted by volunteers in kayaks, to the finish line near Tekarra Lodge.
And it was “a bit tense” at the end, said Thomas, as a dozen ducks fought for first place in an almost-photo finish.
The first duck to cross the line unluckily had no ticket-holder, but Alexia Bruce’s duck Snap Pea, #577, came next, scooping Bruce the $1,000 prize.
Snap Pea was closely followed by Sophia, duck #971, winning her owner Becky Artiaga $300, and in third place was Patrick, duck #67 owned by K. Williamson, who won $200.
Almost all of the 1,000 ducks had corresponding ticket holders this year.
Thomas said: “I think it went extremely well. It seems community fundraising and support is higher this year. People are embracing fun things to do and trying to keep the community spirit alive.”
Thomas said Trish Pearson, there representing Jasper Right to Read Society, did a great job organizing the people in kayaks, selling ticket books and putting things together.
And Rob Hubick, manager of Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives, sent out thanks to everybody who supported the race this year, especially those who volunteered on the day to make sure everything went smoothly.
