Twenty-five thousand yellow rubber ducks will plummet down a waterfall tomorrow at the 33rd annual Great Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race in Idaho Falls.
Sponsored by the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, people are buying up the 25,000 ducks for the chance to be the first duck to cross the finish line. The proceeds will continue to make improvements to the Idaho Falls River Walk.
The purchased ducks are released into the water and the first ducks to fall over the waterfall are the winners that receive prizes.
“We're really proud of this project that's been going on for the last 34 years and what it has meant for Idaho Falls and its citizens and its incredible economic impact,” said Kristin Sanger the President of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club. “As you can imagine, businesses have continued to develop along the Green Belt. The Green Belt itself is a huge lifestyle support to local citizens and so we're just really grateful to be a part of something so big and for decades of commitment that have come from the city as well as Rotarians and other volunteers outside of Rotary to make this happen.”
The race starts tomorrow at 4 p.m., but many other activities start at 10 a.m. The activities include boat races, truck shows, truck pulls, food vendors and displays from different local businesses.
Some of the race's prizes are a brand-new Kia, a four-wheeler, paintings and gift cards.
Over the years, $6.9 million has been invested into developing the Greenbelt. This year, funds will go to the development of Heritage Park off of Sunnyside Rd.
“I just want the community to know that it is an incredible effort to make this happen and so their support means everything. Come on down to the Green Belt between 10 and 4,” Sanger said. “Support those vendors, enjoy the duck drop, and buy those Duck Race tickets so that we sell out and be able to put all of those resources back into our Greenbelt, a safe place for families to play and have fun and enjoy.”
Ducks are available for purchase at duckrace.com/idahofalls, they can be purchased singularly for $5, or in a group of six for $25. The event is free.