Above / Mary Jane Leisten of First Community Financial Bank enjoys fun in the sun with her Naper Ducky near the Dandelion Fountain on the Riverwalk. FCFB is a sponsor of the Riverwalk Duck Race.
UPDATE, Aug. 14, 2017 / The 2nd Annual Naperville Riverwalk Duck Race is set to begin at 10AM Wed., Aug. 16. The following details apply to this year’s race, too. The Naperville Riverwalk will be 36 years old on Sept. 7, 2017.
Original Post , Aug. 11, 2016 / To celebrate the first 35 years of the Naperville Riverwalk, 2,000 plastic ducks will “race” in the DuPage River from the foot bridge near Centennial Park to the Eagle Street Bridge near the Naperville Municipal Center.
All proceeds will benefit the Riverwalk Foundation for education and enhancements along the winding brick path of the city’s natural treasure in the heart of the central business district.
Duck racers do not have to be present to win. The race will run rain or shine.
If the DuPage River is not deep enough for a smooth race, a contingency plan is in place at the Dandelion Fountain. The decision will be made at 9AM Tues., Aug. 16.
To purchase a five-buck duck, a $20 family of 5 or a $100 flock of 25, visit www.riverwalkduckrace.com. Thanks!
Naper Ducky Sing-along
A parody based on the Sesame Street song, “Rubber Ducky,” has been co-written by Dave Mueller and Gary Leavenworth to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Naperville Riverwalk. The song is dedicated to the preservation of the winding path and safe feeding of its feather friends.
Verse 1:
Naper Ducky, you’re the one,
You make the Riverwalk lots of fun,
Naper Ducky, I’m awfully fond of you;
(poo poo, bee doo!)
Verse 2:
Naper Ducky, joy of joys,
I love it when you make that noise! (“Quack!”)
Naper Ducky, you’re my very best friend, it’s true!
Chorus:
Every day when I
Make my way down to see you,
I have to tell myself, I’m not allowed to feed you.
(a-poobie-poo-poo dee-boo!)
Verse 3:
Naper Ducky, you’re so cute,
But people-food’s not good for you.
Naper ducky, I’m awfully fond of you.
(Repeat Chorus)
Verse 4:
Naper Ducky, you’re so fine.
And I’m so lucky that you’re mine.
Naper ducky, I’m awfully fond of –
Naper ducky, I’d like a whole pond of –
Naper ducky I’m awfully fond of you!
(poo poo, be doo.)
Watch for the song to be performed by Gary Leavenworth in a new video to be released soon, produced and videotaped by Nicholas Chirico.
Editor’s Note / From Jaycees Last Fling to the Riverwalk Fine Art Fair to the Judd-A-Thon in September to all the other outdoor fundraising events that find a home along the Riverwalk, it doesn’t take long to tally millions of dollars raised for good causes over the past 35 years. As the centerpiece for community events, concerts, walks and peaceful reflection, the Riverwalk is a natural treasure from the Jefferson Avenue Bridge to Fredenhagen Park at the Washington Street Bridge to the Hillside Road Bridge.
Thanks to all who care and support the Riverwalk! Celebrate its dedication day every year on September 7.
VIDEO QUACKS / Just in from NCTV17… a little production featuring one of the sponsors, First Community Financial Bank! https://www.facebook.com/NCTV17/posts/10154025508333999
Thanks also to Marie Wilson for her story in the Daily Herald and to WCKG-1530AM radio host Eddie Volkman for the interviews!
