JACKSON, Wyo. — Over 200 rubber duckies went head-to-head in a swim for the finish during Old Bill’s fifth annual Launch Party and Rubber Ducky Regatta.
This popular fundraising event, hosted by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole (CFJH), took place along Flat Creek in Russ Garaman Park. CFJH Chief Marketing Officer Anne Bradley told Buckrail that “the Rubber Duckie Regatta is such a fun and silly way to kick off the Old Bill’s giving season.”
To start the race, a member from Teton County Search & Rescue and a child helper dropped the duckies into the creek from the park’s bridge. It was then anyone’s race.
Each ducky was racing to raise funds for its assigned Old Bill’s nonprofit. Teton County Search & Rescue’s Swiftwater Rescue team acted as support for all of the duckies. Members of Search & Rescue floated in inflatable duckies and kayaks to be on hand to rescue any duckies if needed.
Kids and adults took part in the fun by wearing bright yellow ducky and other colorful costumes while cheering on the racers. Excitement from the crowds kept the duckies focused on the finish line, although there were certain ducks that got turned around or even turned over during the physical endeavor.
The support crew was lined up with nets to collect the floating rubber duckies as they crossed the finish line.
While all the duckies were champs, only the top 10 finishers were awarded grant prizes for their nonprofits. The Wilderness Society was awarded $500 for first place, Wyoming Stargazing won $400 for second and the Teton Village Special Fire District came in at a close third, securing $300.
