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Why A 10-Foot Rubber Duck Was In Front Of City Hall Today
In anticipation of the world's largest rubber duck making its West Coast debut at the Port of Los Angeles, a 10-foot "baby duck" will be on display at City Hall and the LA Zoo today. Because we're in a drought, though, there will be no accompanying bathtub accommodating it.
Florentijn Hofman's world-renowned Rubber Duck sculpture will be in LA at the Tall Ships festival from August 20-24, making its third stop in the United States after popping up at port cities throughout the world since 2007. The Tall Ships Festival showcases "the grandest ships of yore," giving visitors a chance to step on board and even sail on some big-ass boats and live out their Captain Jack Sparrow fantasies. The Dutch artist's 60-foot Rubber Duck will truly be the "mama duck" during the festival's opening ceremonies, leading the way in the Grand Parade of Sail as the ships make their way into the Port.
"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," said Craig Samborski, executive producer of the festival. Every locale that the Duck has made an appearance, it has been a sensation, spawning imitators throughout China.
The scaled-down "baby duck" hung out in front of City Hall this morning, and will be spending the rest of its day with its biologically sentient relatives at the LA Zoo. Before it left, City Council members Bob Blumenfield, Joe Busciano, and Council President Herb J. Wesson took the opportunity to have a photo op. Expect to see it make the rounds throughout the city ahead of the festival. Angelenos hoping to take selfies with the "baby duck" can look for updates on its location from the LA Waterfront's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
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"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. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages," said Hofman of his magical creation. Despite its friendly demeanor, the duck has been the victim of some aggression, having been stabbed over 40 times by a vandal when it was on display in 2009.
Be kinder to the duck, LA.
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