Giant Rubber Duck Arrives At LA Port


A giant rubber duck has arrived at The Port of Los Angeles — just in time for the Tall Ships Festival LA. Although the inflatable bird is certainly not a tall ship, it’s a welcome addition to the celebration. Organizers confirmed the beloved duck will remain on display through Sunday, August 24.

In addition to the duck, the festival features several historical ships, including the Battleship USS Iowa, the Victory Ship and S.S. Lane Victory. Guests will have the opportunity to tour at least three of the ships throughout the weekend.

As reported by Tall Ships Festival LA, the celebration also includes live entertainment, educational displays, hands-on activities, and historical reenactments.

Craig Samborski, who organized the event, said the city is proud to feature the adorable duck during this year’s festival:

“This giant Rubber Duck is an iconic way to bring all cultures together… Los Angeles is the ideal place for the Duck to celebrate the world’s diversity and culture.”

The 61-foot high duck is the creation of Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman. As reported by CNN, Hofman began designing the floating display in 2001. However, it did not debut until 2007.

Since its debut, the big rubber duck has appeared in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Taiwan and Vietnam. In September 2013, the fun display made its way to the United States.

Although they appear quite similar, there are several ducks of different dimensions. The Tall Ships Festival duck is actually the world’s largest. The giant rubber duck is 110 feet long and 85 feet wide.

As reported by Time, Hofman designed the floating display to spread cheer throughout the world:

“The Rubber Duck knows no frontiers, it doesn’t discriminate people and doesn’t have a political connotation… The friendly, floating Rubber Duck has healing properties: it can relieve the world’s tensions as well as define them.”

Although rubber ducks are traditionally used as children’s toys, Hofman said his duck was designed to appeal to adults:

“I see it as an adult thing. It makes you feel young again. It refers to your childhood when there was no stress or economic pressure, no worry about having to pay the rent.”

A giant rubber duck in the LA Port is sure to make everyone smile during the Tall Ships Festival LA. It is unclear where the duck will go when it leaves Los Angeles, as the artist has not revealed its next destination.

[Image via GCaptain]

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