CRANFORD, NJ — On Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. people of all ages will cheer and yell along the banks of the Rahway River at the Hanson Park Conservancy’s 7th annual Rubber Ducky Race as 1,200 ducks will bump and race past each other through Sperry Park, over the falls at Hansel’s Dam to ultimately reach the finish line at the North Union Avenue Bridge.
Numerous prizes will be awarded to the fastest ducks. First prize is a $250 gift card, second prize is a Canoe Club Adventure Day and third prize is a $100 gift card. There will be many other additional prizes for runners-up.
Hanson Park Conservancy Trustee Linda Livelli encourages participants to buy ducks earlier rather than later.
“We sell out before race day every year so we strongly encourage everyone to buy their ducks early,” Livelli said.
Tickets to enter the race can be purchased at two locations: Periwinkles on North Union Avenue Downtown and the Cranford Canoe Club on Springfield Avenue.
Participants have a choice to purchase a single duck for $5 or a flock of five for $20.
The race will benefit continued maintenance and educational programs at Hanson Park.
According to Jenna Doscher, events coordinator at Hanson Park Conservancy, “A beautiful rain garden was recently installed.
In previous years, we have installed a butterfly garden and a woodland theatre.”
Hanson Park is located at 38 Springfield Ave. and is situated on the stretch of the Rahway River on property that was formerly owned by a Cranford physician.
The conservancy sponsors a variety of educational and community events throughout the year.
Upcoming events include Free Yoga Day on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Hanson Park.
Additionally, a flower-arranging program will take place at Cranford Community Center on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.