The village of Lockport, Illinois, is being invaded by ducks. These ducks are special ducks, though, serving a purpose.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.

Twenty-two, three-foot-tall fiberglass Lockport ducks sit in front of local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic. The goal is to encourage folks to patronize these businesses to help keep them afloat.

Lockport’s Illinois State Museum Campus curators selected the 22 artists. All costs were covered by private businesses that were doing well and wanted to help other businesses affected more by the shutdowns and restrictions.

Larry Brogan – photo courtesy of Misty Soderholm.

The colorful ducks were created to reflect the business where they stand. Fittingly, a parrot duck sits in front of Paradise Bay Bar & Grill. Lockport artist-creator Larry Brogan of Tattoo City explained his duck creation. “My bird’s name is Jimmy Poptop and he is a duck that identifies as a parrot. It was done with a Jimmy Buffet-inspired theme.” I’m sure Parrot Heads would love Jimmy Poptop!

There is also an accompanying booklet featuring Lockport businesses. These “passports” contain a map of all duck locations along with coupons and special offers, including rubber duck giveaways.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.

I have written about many such art installations over the years. I always enjoy seeing the unique art pieces breaking up the usual scenery. These ducks take it to a new level, though, as each really represents the community rallying together to make it better as a whole. It is truly inspiring.

— John Wroblewski, online writer

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.

Photo courtesy of Joe Ryan.