Not only did 500 plastic ducks navigate the Manuherikia River for the inaugural Great Duck Race on Saturday afternoon, about 70 dogs took to the water for the "4 Paws Party'' and the "Soggy Doggy Splash'' on the same day.
Both events, held as part of the Alexandra Thyme Festival, attracted strong support and would be held again, organisers said.
The dog swim events, in their third year, were held at the Molyneux Aquatic Centre and were always done just before the outdoor pool opened for the summer season, pool team leader Jen Ferris said.
The Great Duck Race was also a fundraiser, for the Alexandra Parent Centre.
Committee member Jennifer Mataitis said the duck race, raffles and food stalls raised almost $4000.
The thyme festival - which has four strands: arts, craft, sustainability and wellbeing - continues until Sunday with a programme of events including workshops, exhibitions, concerts, a pecha kucha night and the inaugural Alexandra Buskers Festival.
