The 5th Annual Minnehaha Creek Duck Race brought fun and smiles to South Minneapolis on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The event was hosted by the Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group, also known as FRNNG. Several thousand people came to watch the race and enjoy a day of celebration.
The race started a few minutes late. There was a small accident when some ducks spilled onto the street. Volunteers quickly picked them up and tossed them into the creek. People laughed and cheered at the silly moment.
The race began at the 12th Avenue bridge. The ducks floated toward the finish line near 17th Avenue. Families lined the creek to watch. Everyone waited to see which duck would win.
There was more than just the race. A big festival was set up nearby. Live music played all afternoon. The Walker Brother Band and Juliet Catherine sang for the crowd. Kids got their faces painted for free. There was also a big inflatable obstacle course for them to enjoy.
Food trucks served tasty treats. People enjoyed snacks from Finer Meats & Eats, Muddy Tiger, Egg Roll Queen, Saint Pops, and Daniel the Donut Man. There was something for everyone.
Local groups joined the event too. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control came to talk with families. The Parks Department shared tips about water safety. The Hennepin County Library set up a booth as well.
Many people had entered ducks in the race. The top 20 winning ducks earned prizes. The grand prize was a Solo Stove. There was also a raffle with gift cards from local businesses. It added extra excitement.
The event was also good for the environment. All ducks were cleaned up after the race. Volunteers picked up trash along the creek. People helped keep the park clean for others to enjoy.
The Minnehaha Duck Race is now a favorite tradition. It brings neighbors together for a day of fun and kindness. This year’s event was a big success. It showed the strong and happy spirit of the community.
