Duck race!

Today our town had a rubber duck race to raise funds for charity. It was a pretty big event for the town. They set up a stage for entertainment and live music. Local businesses set up tables and sold their goods. They even had a few characters and face painting for the kids.

We took the kids down to the river after they woke from their nap. This was actually their 2nd trip down in the stroller today since we'd also gone to the farmer's market in the morning to buy our vegetables for the week. We arrived to the riverfront and found quite the crowd.

Jeff found a good spot for the stroller and we parked the kids under the shade.

First I went to investigate the crowds and tents.

I came back with a waffle cone from the ice cream parlor on the waterfront -- Scoops. The kids all got bites. Walter was a little freaked by the cold at first, but ended up enjoying the sweetness. Adele and Gordon loved my mint chocolate chip from the first bite and were mad when it was all gone.

Then Jeff took off to check things out. It was just too busy to try and maneuver the stroller around. Plus the kids were just having a blast looking around and watching all the kids and dogs running around.

They also got to meet a real live duck. Or, at least someone in a duck costume. Walter was a little scared. Gordon didn't know what to think. Adele was both fascinated and shy.

Then it was time to release the ducks! We had no duck in this race (something we'll correct next year) but it was still a kick to see all those rubber ducks go into the river.

And this is a photo of the bridge between Ballina and Killaloe. It was also the finish line. Alas, we did not get to see the end because the kids had enough and started fussing.

I caught a photo of the Coast Guard truck on the way out. They were there to help with the event.

Overall it was a lot of fun! I'm excited for the kids to get a little older so they'll enjoy more of the activities.