HOW BIG IS THAT DUCK?
Canada 150 celebrations
Amherstburg is known for being a well-travelled migratory path for all manner of birds, but this August will mark the first local sighting of the world’s largest rubber duck.
The 11-ton yellow behemoth will float into town as part of the Canada 150 celebrations that peak with the Canuck It Up Festival in Amherstburg Aug. 5-6. Anne Rota, the town’s manager of tourism and culture, was to give council a rundown of the summer celebration Monday.
The massive duck is one of several made by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. The one touring several provincial ports as part of the Ontario 150 Tour is 161 feet tall, 79 feet wide and 89 feet long.
These giant rubber ducks have been part of waterfront festivals across the globe. A smaller version docked in Vancouver in 2014.
Rota said plans call for the duck to tie up at the foot of Richmond Street in King’s Navy Yard Park.
The duck joined the tour through a partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, a wildlife organization dedicated to preserving wetlands and waterfowl habitat.
Canuck It Up will also feature a West Coast Lumberjack show, an interactive street dance and musical performance and a live war reenactment as part of the Raiders, Rebels and Redcoats event held at nearby Fort Malden.
“We’re really going to be the epicentre for the region for Canada 150,” Rota said. “This is going to be a quality event.”
The tall ship Appledore V will also sail in for the weekend.
Some festivities are being planned for the town’s newly acquired waterfront property.
“This will be a little mini trial for how best we can utilize this gorgeous piece of property,” Rota said, referring to the former Duffy’s Motor Inn location.
In addition, another event honouring Amherstburg’s fur-trading history is slated for September.
“We’ve also boosted some activities for Canada Day,” Rota said.
In particular, 150 Amherstburg residents will receive Canada 150 medals for their contribution or service to the community. A call for nominations will go out in May.
Throughout the summer season, people can enjoy the Canada 150 garden located in the Navy Yard’s signature flowerbed behind the Gordon House. The bed will feature an array of blooms re-creating the Canada 150 logo.