Summer's not over yet, which means there's still plenty of time to celebrate the rubber duck.
As I wrote in June, rubber duck races are a pretty big deal. I highlighted four, which inspired a couple of readers to tip me off to a few more (always appreciated!). If you missed the boat on those, don't fret, August has a couple of options.
For starters, Bellaire, Mich., is hosting the 32nd annual Rubber Ducky Festival. That's right, not just a race, an entire week dedicated to the rubber duck. The festivities began on Aug. 12 and run through Aug. 18. The festival will feature a number of events, including the Bay Area Big Band, a community paddle event, a car show, the Duck and Glow 5K run/walk and 1-mile Kiddie Dash, a corn hole tournament and a variety of other activities.
But the main event will be the rubber duck parade on Aug. 17 at 3 p.m., which culminates with a quarter-mile rubber duck race. Visitors can purchase one of 2,000 rubber ducks for $5, those ducks finishing in the Top 27 will win a cash prize.
If Michigan is too far, try Westlake, Ohio, for the Westlake Historical Society's Great Rubber Duck Race, which will be held Aug. 24 at noon at the Westlake Recreation Center pond. Visitors can purchase one duck for $5, a "Six Quack" for $25 or a "Quacker Pack"—that's 12 ducks—for $49.
According to the website, funds raised will benefit the Westlake Historical Society's Clague Museum, local history education and other special projects.
I'm sure there are other rubber duck events going on throughout the month, which means there's plenty of time to get your quack on.
Chris Sweeney is still not taking bets on rubber duck races. Follow him on Twitter @CSweeneyRPN.