Thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks bobbing down the Rideau River may sound like the premise of a children’s story, but for residents of Manotick, it was the highlight of a community fundraiser that could soon become one of the village’s most beloved traditions.
On June 7, Watson’s Mill hosted the inaugural Great Mill Duck Drop, a lighthearted fundraising event that saw 2,000 rubber ducks released into the Rideau River as part of the annual Dickinson Days celebrations. Residents and visitors gathered along the waterfront to watch the spectacle unfold as the numbered ducks raced toward the finish line, with prizes awarded to the owners of the fastest competitors. Proceeds from the event support heritage preservation efforts at Watson’s Mill and Dickinson Square, two of Manotick’s most treasured historic landmarks.
The concept is simple: participants “adopt” a rubber duck for a small fee, and each duck is entered into the race. The first ducks to cross the finish line win prizes, while the funds raised benefit local causes. What made Manotick’s event particularly successful was the overwhelming community response. Organizers reported that all 2,000 duck entries sold out before race day, a sign that residents were eager to embrace the quirky new tradition.
While the event may feel uniquely Manotick, rubber duck races have a long history as community fundraisers around the world. These races, which can feature anywhere from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of ducks, are commonly used to raise money for charities, community organizations, and heritage sites. According to fundraising organizations that specialize in duck derby events, the races are popular because they combine family-friendly entertainment with charitable giving, creating a memorable experience that attracts participants of all ages.
Ottawa itself has a history with duck races. For more than two decades, local Kiwanis Clubs organized the Duck Race for Tiny Hearts in support of CHEO, releasing as many as 100,000 ducks into the Rideau Canal each spring. The event became one of the region’s most recognizable fundraisers before ending in 2003. The success of Manotick’s new race suggests the appeal of rubber duck fundraisers has not faded.
Beyond the fundraising, the Great Mill Duck Drop captured something increasingly valuable in modern communities: a shared experience. Families lined the riverbanks, children cheered on their adopted ducks, and local businesses joined in supporting the event. In an age where many community gatherings compete with digital distractions, the sight of thousands of rubber ducks floating down the Rideau River offered a simple but powerful reminder of the joy that comes from coming together.
Organizers have already described the event as an opportunity to create a signature annual tradition for the village. Given the sold-out participation, enthusiastic crowds, and social media buzz generated by the race, it appears they may have succeeded on the first try.
For now, the ducks have been collected, the winners have claimed their prizes, and the waters of the Rideau have returned to normal. But if this year’s turnout is any indication, residents can expect to see thousands of yellow competitors take to the river once again. Sometimes, the best traditions start with the simplest ideas—and in Manotick’s case, a few thousand rubber ducks may have just launched the village’s newest annual celebration.
