Wellesley Lions Club holds successful rubber duck race

Sponsored ducks float downstream from the dam in Wellesley as hundreds of spectators watch and cheer for their entries. Photo courtesy of Wellesley Lions Club

By Gary West

The ever-popular Wellesley Lions Club Duck Race drew a large crowd again this year, with 1,500 toy rubber ducks released past the dam on a sunny, late-summer afternoon.

More than 300 residents gathered to watch and cheer on the colourful race. Participants sponsored ducks for $5 each, or five for $20, with numbers carefully tracked by Lions Club officials. Lion Blair Cressman said the event has become a fun way for families to get involved while raising funds to support local projects.

“It’s also a great fundraiser for the Lions, who in turn sponsor many events, especially for youth in the Wellesley area,” he said.

Traditionally held in June, this year’s race was postponed to September due to heavy spring rains — a change that proved successful given the strong turnout.

There were plenty of prizes for lucky duck sponsors. First place and $1,000 went to the Heiz family of Wellesley. Second place and $250 went to MP Tim Louis, while Anne-Marie Vander Maas collected $100 for third place.

A special children’s race was also held for ages 12 and under, with prizes donated by TLC Pet Foods of New Hamburg. Grace Savich won first, followed by Helen Miller in second and James Billings in third.

The Lions expressed appreciation for the support of Wellesley Township, the Grand River Conservation Authority, Leis Feeds, the Wellesley Lounge, Schmidt’s Bulk Pantry and TLC Pet Foods.

The fourth annual Wellesley Lions Duck Race is scheduled for the first Saturday in June 2026.