Maplewood Duck Race 2015. Photo by Claire Gianni Sinclair
The Maplewood Duck Race — held every year in Memorial Park after the Memorial Day parade and ceremony at Maplewood Town Hall — is just 10 days away and we’ve got the info on where to buy your duck for this year’s rubber duck racing rally!
(This year, Memorial Day is Monday, May 30.)
Tickets are now available at:
- South Mountain YMCA Welcome Center, 13 Jefferson Ave
- South Mountain YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center, 10 West Parker Ave
- Maplewood Stationers, 171 Maplewood Ave
- Wednesday 25th from 7:15-9:15am at South Orange Train station
- Online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/duck-race-tickets-23122317474\
The iconic Maplewood event founded in 1998 by the Maplewood Kiwanis to support local charities. (Read about the history of the race here.)
The event started with five races and 500 ducks in each race. In recent years, the number of races has has grown to six and the number of ducks has been increased to 700 per race to keep up with the demand for tickets. Each ticket “buys” you one duck who races to the finish, hopefully earning you amazing prizes from local merchants and sponsors.
This year, the South Mountain YMCA is taking on management of the race. The beneficiaries, however, remain the same: the Y, the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly Department of Youth and Family Services), the South Orange and Maplewood libraries, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local food pantries and the Valerie Fund among others.
Maplewood Duck Race 2015. Photo by Claire Gianni Sinclair
“The South Mountain YMCA has been thrilled and honored to be a partner in the running of the Duck Race over the years and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to continue this ‘quacky’ tradition that is not only fun, but serves to significantly impact our community,” said James Goodger, Executive Director of the South Mountain Y.
“Traditions are wonderful things and you can be sure the ducks are in good hands with our dedicated staff and volunteers, and there will be plenty of new ‘quacky’ surprises in the build up to the big day!”
Goodger is hoping that the community rallies behind the event.
“Our goal is of course to put on a great event for the entire family and to raise as much money as possible through sponsorships and ticket sales, but most importantly we want everyone to know that all proceeds support youth and families.”
Photos by Claire Gianni Sinclair.
