World’s Largest Rubber Duck is returning to Toronto for the annual Toronto Waterfront Festival, formerly the Redpath Waterfront Festival.
Standing 61 feet tall, 79 feet wide, 89 feet long and weighing in at 30,000 pounds, the colossal duck, affectionately known as Mama Duck, first visited Canada in 2017 and joined the ONTARIO 150 Tour to celebrate Canada’s 150 during the summer of 2017.
At the time, more than 750,000 people attended the three-day celebration.
In partnership with the Waterfront BIA, the festival had initially planned to bring back the six-story-tall, 30,000-pound Mama Duck in 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay, but the wait is now almost over.
Alongside the exciting news of Mama Duck’s return, the festival announced a change in its name. Redpath Sugar has been a devoted title sponsor for the past 11 years, and while they will not retain that role, they will continue as a major programming partner.
In addition to the Duck, there will be live entertainment, kids’ activities, giveaways, food and much more!
According to a news release, Mama Duck’s debut in 2017 resulted in impressive highlights for the festival, including an estimated economic impact of $7.6 million, over $10.6 million in new spending from non-local attendees and event operations, and a total of $16.5 million spent by local residents. A remarkable 31% of visitors lived more than 40 km from the event site, and the festival saw a record number of visitors from the United States. The irresistible charm of Mama Duck was the primary reason for attending the festival for 75% of visitors.
Toronto Waterfront Festival is produced by Water’s Edge Festivals & Events (WEFE). The free admission festival will run from September 16 to 17 at 7 Queens Quay E.