DUCKS MAKE A
SPLASH IN 2021
Thousands of rubber ducks took to the street again in 2021 .
On Sept . 18 , 7,000 rubber ducks raced down South Court Street on a manmade giant slip and slide as the Ottumwa Duck Races celebrated its second year after a more than 20-year hiatus .
“ The road race was the only plan this year ,” said Shea Greiner , Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress vice president of engagement and organizational advancement .“ We literally broke barriers this year .”
With the help of Norris Asphalt Paving Co . & Douds Stone with the dump truck and Wapello County Rural Fire Department providing the water for the raceway , the force of the water busted out the course .
Prizes were awarded to first place , second place and “ dead duck ,” the duck farthest from the finish when the race concluded .“ We had three happy winners ,” Greiner said . And , additional sponsors offered prizes beyond what GOPIP awarded , including JBS with a box of bacon .
“ One of the best things this year was our first-place duck winner was present ,” Greiner said , which was Michelle Williams .“ He son said ,‘ Mom , I feel lucky today . Someone has to win , and I feel like it ’ s going to be us .’ And sure enough , they did .”
The event also expanded in 2021 .
In addition to 2,000 more ducks , the event included vendors , food trucks , kids ’ activities and a car show .
But lot of the fun of the day came from the antics of Master of Ceremonies Hans Wilz .“ Hans was dodging ducks , sandbags , sponsor signs and the tidal wave — and he kept talking the whole time ,” Greiner said .“ He did at great job . Hans Wilz made the show .”
“ He did a great dance ,” said Christy Butts , GOPIP investor relations coordinator .
But it was much larger than that . It was truly a community effort , Greiner said .
The city ’ s public works department filled 300 sandbags needed to anchor the course . They also helped with finding the location and making arrangements to close the street . WCRF provided the water to push the ducks downhill . The Ottumwa Police Department , she said , helped get cars moved out of the way of the course .
“ People complain about the city , but they have gone above and beyond for us ,” Greiner said .
There were also private parties that contributed to the events success . Norris Asphalt Paving Co & Douds Stone provided the dump truck the ducks were released from as well as provided a truck to haul sandbags . They also helped with setup , cleanup and teardown of the course , Greiner said . “ They were great to work with .”
Codie Amason , chairperson of the event , got the most sponsors , raised the most money , helped with construction and teardown and enlisted clients from First Resources to label the ducks . Greiner noted the 2021 event had a lot of new sponsors .“ Without them , this would not have been possible ,” Greiner said .
Then there was the nonprofit sponsor , Ottumwa Boxing Club , which received a donation from every duck adopted .“ We were able to donate $ 3,002 to Ottumwa Boxing Club , and the second-place winner donated her $ 1,000 prize back to them for a total of $ 4,002 .
“ We definitely made a big splash !” Butts said .“ This was a fun event , working with Hans and watching the community ’ s reaction as the tidal wave came down the track . Also , it was gratifying to partner with the Ottumwa Boxing Club and helping the youth of Ottumwa .”
The nonprofit element will remain for future Ottumwa Duck Races as the event returns in 2022 .“ We ’ re going to do something to give back to the community again ,” she said .“ We ’ re not sure which nonprofit it will be . It will be a community decision .”
There ’ s also the possibility of changes to the track . Along with working to find a happy medium of the track speed , the course could extend .“ Everybody wants us to make it longer next year , so that ’ s a possibility ,” Greiner said , along with reinforcing the barriers .
But one thing about the 2022 event is certain : Wilz will be back .
“ I ’ m really excited to bring it back next year ,” Greiner said .“ Hans Wilz will be back . Who knows what stunts he ’ ll pull next year .”
For more information :
Check the Ottumwa Duck Races Facebook page for “ You ’ ve Been Ducked Videos ,” updates on the event and the announcement of the 2022 nonprofit partner .
GOPIP Investor Directory 2021-22
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