Duck race and public art initiative set for June debut at Mill Race Park
Rotary partnership and fundraising effort to support local organizations
The City of Cambridge is introducing a new community-focused event aimed at blending recreation, public art and charitable fundraising, with the inaugural “Goose on the Grand” scheduled for June 14 at Mill Race Park.
The event, organized in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cambridge, will feature a rubber duck race along the Grand River, alongside a broader program of live entertainment, family activities and an outdoor art installation.
Organizers say approximately 1,400 rubber ducks will be released into the river from Park Hill Bridge, travelling downstream to Main Street Bridge, where race officials will determine the winners. Participants can purchase ducks for $20 each or three for $50, with cash prizes awarded to the first three finishers and additional prizes for ducks placing fourth through tenth.
Funds raised through duck sales will support the Rotary Club’s charitable initiatives, including partnerships with local organizations such as the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank, Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation and KidsAbility.
Event logistics will also involve local volunteer groups. The Ancient Mariners Canoe Club will assist in retrieving the ducks after the race concludes.
Mayor highlights community-building and placemaking goals
City officials say the event reflects a broader strategy to activate public spaces and foster civic pride through accessible programming.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together with laughter and full on joy while simultaneously celebrating art, community and place,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “I would like to thank our volunteers on the Placemaking Working Group for their work on this project and their dedication to bringing moments of happiness to our residents. It really showcases the spirit of Cambridge with a focus on community while mixing in a little friendly competition along with outdoor art that the community can enjoy for years to come.”
Festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with organizers positioning the event as a family-friendly attraction that combines entertainment with community fundraising.
Public art installation to anchor downtown tourism initiative
A key component of the event is the launch of the Cambridge Goose Hunt, a public art initiative featuring 12 fiberglass goose sculptures. Each sculpture, standing approximately 1.3 metres tall, will be individually designed and painted by selected artists.
All 12 sculptures will be displayed together during the June 14 event before being relocated to various sites across downtown Cambridge as part of a broader effort to encourage exploration and foot traffic in the area.
City officials say the project draws inspiration from the Canadian geese that inhabit the Grand River and is intended to strengthen the connection between residents, visitors and the city’s natural and urban landscapes.
The initiative was developed by the City’s Placemaking Working Group, a committee established by council in 2023 to advise on projects aimed at enhancing public spaces and community experiences.
Strategic alignment with economic and tourism objectives
Municipal leaders say Goose on the Grand aligns with the city’s strategic priorities, particularly in leveraging outdoor assets and creating programming that supports local economic activity.
By combining a ticketed fundraising component with free public entertainment and an ongoing art installation, the city aims to generate both immediate community participation and longer-term tourism benefits.
Events such as these are increasingly being used by mid-sized Canadian municipalities to drive downtown revitalization, attract visitors and support local businesses, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery environment.
The addition of the Goose Hunt installation is expected to extend the event’s impact beyond a single day, encouraging repeat visits and increased engagement with local shops, restaurants and cultural venues.
Applications open for artists and community participation
The city is currently inviting artists to apply to design and paint one of the fiberglass goose sculptures, further integrating local creative talent into the initiative.
Residents and visitors interested in participating in the duck race or learning more about the Goose Hunt can access additional details through the city’s official website.
With its mix of recreation, art and philanthropy, Goose on the Grand represents a new approach to community programming in Cambridge—one that city officials hope will become a recurring fixture on the local events calendar.