GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – It’s been a busy afternoon on the Fox River in downtown Green Bay. The nine vessels participating in the Tall Ship Festival are sailing into town. But, it’s one other attraction at the festival that’s gaining a lot of attention.

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck is set to appear in Green Bay. When fully inflated, she’s 61 feet tall, 50 feet around and 12 tons of just silly fun.

Mama Duck, as she’s called, arrived in Green Bay about two weeks ago in nothing but a shipping crate. Her arrival has been the talk of the town.

According to Terry Charles with PMI, “From the day we announced it, it’s been non-stop excitement from moms and grandmothers. I got calls this morning, wanting to know when it’s going to be set up.”

But to create Mama Duck in all of her glory, it takes hours of manpower, and a pontoon made of six big steel pipes that she floats on.

Bob Hom is one of Mama Duck’s Wranglers. He says, “We set the duck up on top, we spread it all out like a giant egg yolk and we tie it on and then we blow it up.”

Crews spent much of the morning and early afternoon setting Mama Duck up, on land in Green Bay. She’s been lowered into the Fox River, but strong winds in the afternoon and the potential for severe weather in the evening her inflation until Friday morning.

The Duck Wranglers who travel with Mama Duck say it will take about two-and-a-half hours to make her fully bloom. It’s a process that’s worth it, once she’s put on display.

“The reaction is unbelievable, people absolutely love it,” says Bob Hom. “It’s a nice duck. The duck has no politics. It’s neither conservative or liberal, it’s just a nice friendly duck.”

That will no doubt add to the enjoyment of the tall ship festival, all weekend long.

Terry Charles adds, “The nine ships are fantastic. They’re vintage vessels. The Duck, some people say maybe doesn’t fit with the ships, but it’s fun and it’s another attraction for the festival.”

The Tall Ship Festival officially starts on Friday at noon. Mama Duck will stand alongside the nine vessels and a visit with her is included with your admission to the festival.