IDAHO FALLS—Thousands of rubber ducks will make a splash in Idaho Falls this weekend as they race down the Snake River for charity.
The 34th Annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race will take place Saturday at the west side of the Riverwalk/Greenbelt. In addition to the duck race, the event will feature a classic car show, speedboat races, food booths, and activities for children.
Elaine Gray, a member of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club and duck race committee, said she has attended the event for years and is especially excited for this year’s car show.
“This year we're so excited that we're celebrating 72 years of ‘Vettes and we have 48 Corvettes all from different years during that 72-year span,” Gray said.
Funds raised through duck adoptions help support the development of the Snake River Greenbelt and its parks. Gray said the improvements have made a difference in the community.
“People come into our city and see what a beautiful river area we have with the green belt,” she said. “It's inviting for people to spend time and enjoy the outdoors. And that's really one thing that the Heritage Park is all about, is giving a place that kids can kind of get back to nature and spend outdoor time and really enjoy what kids like to do.”
This year, 30,000 ducks will be released into the river, 5,000 more than last year. So far, about 16,000 ducks have been adopted, and organizers are hoping for a last-minute push to reach their goal.
“It’s a great cause and we’re kind of in the last throes of it. So, we’re anxious for people to adopt their ducks and help make this once again a great success,” Gray said.
Duck adoptions are $5 a duck or $25 for six.
Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the duck drop scheduled for 4 p.m.
For more information about the event or to adopt a duck, visit the official race website. To listen to the full interview with Elaine Gray, listen to BYU-Idaho Radio’s podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.