The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, a 61 foot tall inflatable known as Mama Duck, is sailing into Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater for a seventeen day takeover from January 10 to 26. It is bright yellow, deeply unserious, and fully prepared to photobomb every single picture you take of the skyline.
Created as part of the Kindness Duck Project, Mama Duck has floated around North America spreading its very specific message of joy, whimsy, and mild confusion. Now it is Clearwater’s turn. During its stay, the duck will loom over the waterfront as the backdrop for markets, live music, family activities, and nighttime light displays along the park. Think of it as a temporary mascot for anyone who believes public art should occasionally look like it escaped from a cartoon bubble bath.
City staff and the Clearwater Downtown Development Board are treating the duck like a full blown headliner. The board approved funding to bring the installation to Coachman Park and to support the programming that surrounds it, from weekend events to special Duck Days on the calendar. Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice put it perfectly when she said, “Some people will think it’s funny, some people will think it’s stupid, but they will be talking about the duck.”…