VIDEO: Rubber ducks make splash for good cause

Katie Johnson, 11, and Will Johnson, 7, both of Murphysboro, point at ducks nearing the finish line on Saturday during the Carbondale Super Splash Park’s Duck Derby fundraiser. (Athena Chrysanthou | @Chrysant1Athena)

By Jacob Wiegand and Morgan Timms
August 20, 2016

The lazy river of Carbondale’s Super Splash Park was transformed into a race course for more than 1,000 rubber ducks Saturday during the first Duck Derby.

The event raised money to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Kathy Renfro, executive director of the Carbondale Park District, said every duck in the race was bought and sponsored for about $5. She said she hopes the event raised about $5,000.

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Kim Cantwell, of Carbondale, attended the event with her three daughters and their grandmother.

“It’s been great because it’s such a family-friendly event,” Cantwell said. “It was something simple and quick. We could just come out and support our community and have a lot of fun. I hope they continue to do this.”

The event was co-organized by the Carbondale Park District and Carbondale Fire Department.