Did you know that the ‘Blue Heart for Child Friendliness’ has been awarded in Havelberg for 25 years?
Based on a story by Achim Frey:
In 2025, we celebrate a very special anniversary: For 25 years, the “Blue Heart for Child-Friendliness” has been awarded – a joyful occasion full of heart, creativity, and above all, children’s laughter.
And right at the start of the anniversary year, there’s a colorful highlight:
On June 5, 2025 – in celebration of Children’s Day – the children’s duck race returns to Havelberg! This fun event will take place at the Children’s Festival in the Havelberg swimming pool and promises excitement for young and old alike.
Colorful ducks, thrilling races – and amazing prizes!
Each participating child receives their own yellow plastic duck, which they can paint however they like. With a personalized race number, the ducks are released into the water – and the big race begins!
Of course, there are great prizes to be won:
- 💙 Three overnight stays in the Harz Mountains for the whole family
- 💙 Shopping vouchers worth €50 each for “Tintenfass”
- 💙 Gift cards for the toy store Fritz Kühn
- 💙 …and many other wonderful prizes!
How it all began: The story of the duck race
The children’s duck race began in 2014. Back then, the former mayor of the Bismark association municipality, Verena Schlüsselburg, was looking for a creative idea for the Steinfeld Farmers’ Market – especially something fun for kids. That’s when the idea of painting ducks was born.
At the time, we were already organizing our popular “open-to-all duck races” and the unique “Mayor Duck Race” as part of the boat parade. That was the birth of the very first children’s duck race!
Today, the children’s duck race is a beloved part of the Harz Summer Days in Thale – and now returns to Havelberg for the second time.
How did it come back to Havelberg?
For the 25th anniversary, we asked ourselves:
What special event can we organize this year?
At a meeting with Thomas Will from the Havelberg Youth Center (JUZE), the idea came up to bring the children’s duck race back to the Havelberg swimming pool.
Inspired by a previous race in Osterode’s outdoor pool (with support from the local fire department), we reached out to the Nitzow Fire Department – a long-time project partner. Erik Blüthgen connected us with youth officer Kai Evers from Havelberg – and he was immediately enthusiastic!
Together with Sebastian Trux, Kai Evers, Thomas Will, and lifeguard Ecki Liebsch, we began planning – including several test runs. Ecki even built a custom finish line and laid out the race lanes.
The setup works and the tests went well – but one variable remains: the weather. Don’t worry though – ducks may not like storms, but rain doesn’t bother them. 😉
First creative steps with young artists
To warm up for the big event, we started painting ducks in May with kids from the fire departments of Nitzow and Havelberg, as well as the Youth Club Warnau. The excitement was huge – a sure sign that this idea is hitting the right note!
What’s next?
If the swimming pool race goes well (and we’re optimistic!), then soon an old Havelberg tradition might return:
A big duck race for everyone at the boat parade and fishing tournament!
In Thale, our duck races have long been a highlight of the Harz Summer Days – maybe Havelberg will once again become part of this colorful success story.
Huge thanks to all the helpers, supporters, and young artists – we’re excited for a joyful race with you all!
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