Clearwater’s Giant Rubber Duck Is About to Take Over the Waterfront
Clearwater is gearing up for one of the most delightfully bizarre attractions the region has seen in years. Come January, a towering rubber duck (yes, an actual six-story rubber duck) will float into Coachman Park for more than two weeks of events, photo ops, and strong opinions. Whether you think it’s brilliant, ridiculous, or peak Florida chaos, Clearwater knows one thing for sure: everyone will be talking about it.
A Massive Art Piece That Refuses to Be Ignored
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck, known affectionately as Mama Duck, isn’t the oversized pool float people imagine. It stands 61 feet tall, stretches 64 feet across, and spans 74 feet from beak to tail. The city approved the installation for a full run from January 10th through January 26th after a unanimous Downtown Development Board vote.
The creators describe the project as a global symbol of joy. Clearwater’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice framed it more candidly, acknowledging that people will either love it or roll their eyes at it, but no one will ignore it. Council member Ryan Cotton agreed, saying even the skeptics are going to show up just to see what a six-story duck looks like.
The Budget That Sparked the Conversation
The full cost of the duck installation combined with the Duck Days programming comes to $59,155. Organizers requested about $30,000 from the Downtown Development Board, but the board ultimately approved up to $21,000 to cover production and city fees. The remaining costs are expected to be balanced through roughly $17,000 in outside revenue.
One detail that stood out to city leadership was the budget for promotion. The entire marketing line is $1,500, a stark contrast to other events that spend tens of thousands for smaller turnouts. Council member Mike Mannino praised the efficiency, while David Allbritton emphasized that spreading the word remains essential for an attraction of this scale.
Seventeen Days of Duck Programming
The duck is serving as the backdrop for a full lineup of themed experiences spanning more than two weeks. Here’s the schedule in a smooth, readable format:
Festivities begin on January 9th with an exclusive Jeep-owner photo opportunity, which is the only pre-event activity requiring payment.
On January 10th, Market Marie arrives as the first major public gathering, offering a large vendor market and shopping experience.
The morning of January 11th features the Duck Dash 5K, a family-friendly fun run and the only paid part of the public programming.
The celebration continues on January 17th with Rubber Ducky’s Birthday Bash in honor of National Rubber Duck Day. The event includes performances by children’s entertainers Jack Hartmann and Mr. Brad, along with crafts, bounce houses, and face painting.
Throughout the festival dates, local schools and scout groups will have the opportunity to participate in rubber duck races, with all proceeds staying within their organizations.
On January 23rd, Coachman Park hosts Scenes on the Green, a duck-themed outdoor movie night featuring titles such as The Mighty Ducks or DuckTales: The Movie.
The final major event arrives January 24th with the Duck n Drive Jeep Invasion. The Jeep community’s long-standing connection to rubber ducks makes this one of the most anticipated days in the series, featuring live music, axe throwing, vehicle displays, and a Touch a Jeep experience extending into the 500 block of Cleveland Street.
A City Betting on Curiosity and Regional Crowds
City leadership has been clear about the main goal. They want people coming downtown, not just from Clearwater but from surrounding counties as well. The duck will be illuminated every night, ensuring it becomes an unmistakable presence across the waterfront and easily visible from the Memorial Causeway Bridge and nearby boating routes.
To ensure safety, Mama Duck will be placed inside a perimeter secured by 28 barricades. The installation remains up through January 26th before removal begins immediately after. Mayor Bruce Rector called the project a perfect fit for Coachman Park and praised its unique appeal, saying it reflects the kind of memorable experiences the city wants to be known for.
Will Clearwater’s Giant Duck Become a Hit or a Head-Scratcher?
Clearwater is embracing a bold, quirky art installation that will either become one of the region’s most lovable attractions or its most debated spectacle. Either way, thousands of residents and visitors will end up at Coachman Park just to see the enormous yellow guest glowing above the bay.