River Raisin water advisory cancels Ducky Dash; river cleanup still held

MONROE — The current River Raisin full-body contact water advisory has canceled Thursday’s popular Ducky Dash. But, it didn’t stop Saturday’s River Raisin Cleanup Event.

Late last week the Monroe County Health Department announced that the section of the river from the Ida-Maybee Road bridge east to the mouth near Lake Erie contained high levels of Escherichia coliform (E. coli) . Humans and pets were advised to avoid full-body contact with the water. Retesting of the water is expected today.

“The River Raisin Cleanup Event went on as scheduled,” said Amy Mohr, the city’s communications specialist. “The City of Monroe provided hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations for volunteers to use once finished. We encouraged volunteers to work along the shoreline, but also provided the proper equipment (gloves and boots) for those who chose to wade into the water. Volunteers cleared garbage and debris from both the shoreline and the water.”

A total of 190 volunteers collected about 1,800 pounds of trash and debris, Mohr said. “The community stepped up to make this year's River Raisin Cleanup a success," she said.

Another cleanup is planned for next summer.

Previous Coverage: Advisory issued for portions of River Raisin due to high levels of E. coli

"There aren't any more clean up events organized through the city or the city's Commission on the Environment this summer. We are already looking forward to next year's cleanup," Mohr said.

The River Raisin water advisory has canceled the annual and popular Ducky Dash, hosted by the Downtown Monroe Business Network. The event allows residents to purchase rubber ducks, as a fundraiser for the DMBN. The ducks then float in the River Raisin. A prize is awarded to the person who purchased the winning who crosses the finish line first.

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“It is very unfortunate, but we have to cancel the Ducky Dash race scheduled for this Thursday,” said Paula B. Stanifer, event coordinator for the DDA. “The drawing for the winners will still take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. at Altrusa Park. We will be selling tickets from 7-8 p.m." To learn more, visit Facebook .

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com .

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: River Raisin water advisory cancels Ducky Dash; river cleanup still held