SANTA CLAUS — The southern Indiana skyline has a giant, cheerful new addition just in time for the summer rush.
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari has officially welcomed “Mama Duck,” a towering 60-foot-tall inflatable rubber duck recognized as the world’s largest of its kind. Nestled directly on the sandy beach of the Bahari Wave Pool inside the Splashin’ Safari water park, the massive yellow attraction is the center of the park’s brand-new “Rubber Duck Days” festival, running daily through June 21st.
Mama Duck is not traveling alone. She is flanked by two brightly colored, smaller rubber duck companions, playfully dubbed “Tammy 1” and “Tammy 2” by park staff.
“She’s a sight to behold,” said Lauren Crosby, fourth-generation owner and Director of Entertainment and Events at Holiday World. “We knew Mama Duck would be impressive, but you just have to see her to BILL-ieve it! Guests will be QUACKING up at the sight of Mama Duck towering over Splashin’ Safari.”
The limited-time festival has transformed more than just the wave pool beach. Park organizers have rolled out exclusive duck-themed games, prizes, and souvenir merchandise across the grounds. Holiday World’s culinary team has also taken the theme to heart, introducing several quirky, festival-exclusive menu items for guests to sample, including:
- The Duck Nest Funnel Cake: A classic funnel cake topped with Peeps, malt balls, and chocolate sauce.
- Yellow Ducky Dole Float: A refreshing blend of Pineapple Dole Whip, Starry soda, and blue raspberry syrup.
- Duck-Sauced Chicken Tenders: Available at Safari Pizza.
- Quacking Mac & Cheese: A hearty dish loaded with bacon and chicken bites, served at Santa’s Merry Marketplace.
Park officials note that Mama Duck will remain stationed on the Bahari beach daily during regular operating hours, though her display is weather-permitting, as high winds or storms may require the massive inflatable to be temporarily deflated for safety.
The conclusion of Rubber Duck Days on June 21st will seamlessly transition into the park’s next major summer event. On June 20th, Holiday World will launch the fifth season of its popular “Holidays in the Sky” drone and fireworks spectacular. This year’s nighttime show is set to be the largest in park history, featuring 500 synchronized drones and nearly 50 onboard pyrotechnic elements flying nightly through August 3rd.
