Rubber duckie, you’re the one

May 26, 2019

Slow and steady won the race at the Friends of the Wareham Free Library’s annual Rubber Duck Race on Sunday.

The race, held at the Tihonet Pond Canal, included about 200 hopeful ducks, many decorated with sparkles, feathers, intricate designs, or bold colors other than the expected yellow.

Haley Boutin, 9, created a duck inspired by fruit with an apple head and a pineapple body.

Michael Nawoichik, 4, colored his duck a bold pink color, and won first place in the decorated duck contest for his age group.

Mike Couto provided a soundtrack with classics like “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and, of course, “Rubber Ducky.”

Priscilla Porter, a member of the Friends who helps organize the event each year, said that the event receives a big boost from many volunteers, including members of the Friends, library staff, Mike Couto, and some Makepeace staff.

Children’s librarian Marcia Hickey brought a variety of games for people to play while waiting for the race to begin.

At 2 p.m., volunteers released the flood of duckies from the top of the canal as people lined up, eager to spot their own decorated duck.

The winner of the race received two tickets to Water Wizz, but every kid got a coupon for Kool Kone.

The proceeds from the event will support the libraries.