If you hear quacking on Mother’s Day in the vicinity of the Boston Common and Public Garden, it is likely to be coming from a little feathered friend of the human persuasion. The Friends of the Public Garden will celebrate Mother’s Day with Boston-area families during its annual Duckling Day event on Sunday, May 11th. This celebration, based on the classic children’s book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, has been a Boston tradition for more than 20 years. Attendees are encouraged to dress like characters from the story, and they don’t disappoint! Children of all ages are seen fashioning whimsical attire from feathered boas to hand-made costumes, many designed especially for this occasion. The fun-filled family event line-up includes a puppet show, craft activities, magic show, and a special reading of the book Make Way for Ducklings by actors from the Wheelock Family Theater.
Every year, children take part in the day’s parade through Boston’s most picturesque parks, dressed like characters from the story. Led by the Harvard University Marching Band, the parade that follows activities on the Boston Common at the Parkman Bandstand will end in the Public Garden near the famous Make Way for Ducklings sculptures.
What you need to know:
· Register at www.friendsofthepublicgarden.org. (Savings are offered for online pre-registration.)
· On-site registration and event begins at 10:30 a.m. on Boston Common.
Do you have a second generation duckling? We are seeking families who went to Duckling Day as a child and are now bringing (or planning to bring) their own children this May. Please e-mail Karin at [email protected].
Stay tuned to Friends of the Public Garden on Facebook, Twitter @FOPG, and our blog for additional information and updates.
