World's largest rubber duck has docked in Amherstburg
Stacey Janzer | CBC News | Posted: August 6, 2017 8:03 PM | Last Updated: August 6, 2017
'I have a lot of decoys. I want to sell them all and get that one'
The world's largest rubber duck has landed in Amherstburg as part of the Canuck It Up festival.
Organizers said more than 40,000 people came to the festival on Saturday and expect similar numbers Sunday. Those in attendance Saturday weren't able to get a photo with the duck, as high winds and a tear caused it to stay deflated.
But Sunday the duck was ready for its close-up. Diana Mousaly came with a group for friends from Windsor to see "a piece of history."
"I know people were saying it was a waste of money, but I thought it would something different, something interesting to see," she said.
Mousaly was surprised to see a smaller version of the duck, but was happy to get a photo with it.
The Russell family came to check out the festival. Nathan Russell, 10, said seeing the giant duck was his favourite part.
As a big duck hunter, Chad Fortier came with his family to get a glimpse of the duck.
"I have a lot of decoys. I want to sell them all and get that one," he said.
Foriter joked he wanted to put it in his pool, so his family can play on it.
The Canuck It Up festival is a first for Amherstburg. Jen Ibrahim, the tourism co-ordinator for the town of Amherstburg said it took about a year to put together.
"This isn't just about the event," she said. "It's about our entire community being engaged and participating."
The festival was part of the Canada 150 and Ontario 150 celebrations, so there may not be a second. Ibrahim said they'll have to see what next year brings.
"We have to keep on top of it and spice it up all the time."