Downtown Brantford BIA is gearing up for its new DuckFest event, taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2026.
DuckFest builds on the success of the Catch-A-Ducky event, expanding it into two afternoons of family-friendly festivities featuring live music, games, prizes and a whole lot of rubber ducks, all in support of Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services.
Ben Strasser, who is helping to organize DuckFest alongside the BIA, said everything kicks off on Saturday at Harmony Square for the third annual Catch-A-Ducky event.
“We’re going to be filling the Harmony Square fountain with 500 numbered rubber ducks. People of all ages will be able to come scoop up a duck with a net and take it to the prize tent,” he said. “Each numbered duck correlates to a prize on the list–it could be bubbles, a small toy, coupons, treats or gift cards to one of the downtown businesses, so there really is a wide array of possibilities. I think we’ve got probably close to 30 downtown businesses that have donated prizes this year, which is awesome.”
He continued, “There’s going to be face painting, a balloon artist, live music and giant marquee letter spelling ‘QUACK” in the square for photos. There’s also going to be lawn games, and hopefully the splash pad will be able to so people can have fun in that as well. Woodview will have a tent there to talk about their services, and if anybody wants to make a cash donation, they’re more than welcome to do that there. It’s going to be huge and a whole lot of family-friendly fun for all ages to come and enjoy some ducky fun.”
The excitement continues the following day at Brants Crossing Park for the first annual rubber duck race on the Grand River.
“We sold 3,000 rubber ducks that we’re going to release off the Lorne Bridge, and racing them about 1,400 feet down the river,” said Strasser. “And I believe we raised over $9,200 for Woodview through the sale of those ducks.”
The first, second, and ducks to cross the finish line will win monetary prizes. The first place winner will receive $1,800, second place will receive $900, and third place will receive $300.
The event will also include live music from the Academy of Music and Performance, lawn games and more family-friendly good times.
“We’re going to do the race at 12 p.m. and it’s going to be a lot of fun. We’re also encouraging people to come dressed up in ducky gear, or as a duck. It’s just going to be duck mayhem in the most beautiful, wonderful way,” Strasser said with a chuckle. “We’re just really excited to have this be a real spectacle. Unfortunately, Brant Crossing Bridge isn’t going to be ready until November, but there’s still so many good points along the river to be able to view the race and take it all in.”
Strasser went on to say that everyone involved in the planning of DuckFest are thrilled to be putting on the event and supporting Woodview.
“Woodview has an office in the downtown core, so it was really important for the BIA board to support a local organization that was doing really good work in the area,” he said. “For me personally, mental health is something that’s very close to my heart, and I’m actively involved in helping remove the stigmas around it. To be able to put this together and combine a summer festival with doing some good and raising awareness is just wonderful.”
Strasser said that overall, they are looking forward to seeing everyone come out and enjoy the festivities.
“We just want smiles on people’s faces, for them to enjoy being downtown and to provide a really positive experience while they’re there,” he said. “Hopefully they come back and enjoy the businesses in the area, and all the other awesome family fun that the city puts on through Parks and Recreation.”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
