It’s one of our biggest weekends of ducks racing and we have a total of 96,000 ducks racing at the end of April. Check out the details about each duck race!
Omega Nu Ducky Derby
Who: Omega Nu
Omega Nu has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1903 through charitable events, scholarships, and community service. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Duck Derby goes directly back to the community.
Where: Friendship Gardens at Harvey West Park
When: Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. PDT
Highlights: The Santa Cruz community will join together in Friendship Gardens at Harvey West Park to enjoy a fun-filled day of activities for children and adults. In addition, there will be food, carnival games, live music, and local entertainment! This unique race features a custom-built course a total of 12,000 rubber ducks will race in with several heats throughout the afternoon. This duck race features hundreds of prizes with gift certificates to local businesses in Santa Cruz! Adopt a Duck and Help a Community today!
Racer Website: www.duckyderbysantacruz.org
The Arc Montgomery County Duck Festival
Who: The Arc Montgomery County
For almost 60 years, The Arc has supported children, youth, adults seniors and families affected by disabilities like autism and Down syndrome by providing child care, work skills, training, employment, community living services, respite care and advocacy.
Where: Veteran’s Plaza, Downtown Silver Spring
When: Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. – noon EDT.
Highlights: Race fans can enjoy free activities and entertainment that is fun for the whole family featuring carnival-style games and photo opportunities with Quacky. A diver will swim through 7,000 rubber ducks, plucking out a special few to win prizes for their adoptive families! The Grand Prize winner wins $1,000 cash and the second place winner will go home with $750. Third place wins $500. One lucky duck may win a million dollars!
Racer Website: www.thearcducks.org
24th Annual Ducks for Bucks Benefit Race
The Kiwanis Club of Fremont was founded in 1955 and is an active and vibrant service club assisting the local Tri-City community. They partner with multiple nonprofits within the community to adopt 7,000 ducks for their causes. Nonprofit selling organizations include schools, various youth organizations and clubs, churches, and adult & family service groups. Nearly $16,000 was paid out in 2017 to local charities and nonprofits!
Where: Fremont, CA at Elizabeth Lake
When: Saturday, April 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. PDT
Highlights: This race involves the community by allowing any nonprofit to participate and earn money for their organizations! Family games begin at 11:00 a.m. and the ducks race at 1:00 p.m.
Some lucky duck adopter will win the great grand prize of a car of their choice, from any dealer in the Fremont Auto Mall up to a $30,000 purchase. Other prizes include a grand prize of $2,000 cash, a Wellness package, and a weekend stay and fine dining package.
Racer Website: www.ducks4bucks.org
15th Annual Ken-Ducky Derby in Louisville
Who: Harbor House of Louisville
At Harbor House, their vision for the future is formed by the needs and dreams of the participants they serve. In implementing their mission of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through employment, self-determination, education and community building opportunities, they are continuously leveraging limited resources in new and creative ways while staying at the forefront of positive trends.
Where: River Road in Louisville
When: Saturday, April 28, 2018. The ducks launch at 6:00 p.m.
Highlights: A total of 40,000 ducks will move from water to dry land this year. The community can enjoy live music, face painting and family friendly activities The first place grand prize winner drives home in a brand new 2018 Dodge Ram Truck provided by Swope Family of Dealerships. Adopt a Duck, Win a Truck! Second and third place winners walk away with cash prizes and every duck in the race has a chance to win one million dollars.
Racer Website: www.ducktruck.org
KinderMourn Hope Floats Duck Race
Who: Kindermourn
Kindermourn provides hope for bereaved parents, grieving children and teens by offering support and counseling programs and empowering the community to effectively assist those who have suffered an unthinkable loss.
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. EDT. The ducks race at 3:30 p.m.
Highlights: Our final race of the weekend a total of 35,000 ducks are racing in the rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. One lucky duck is going home with $2,500 cash.
This duck race also features a team competition so make sure to Adopt your Duck under the right team name or start a team of your own! Adopt ducks and float hope!
Racer Website: http://duckrace.com/charlotte
- April 25, 2018
Rubber ducks are fun and your duck race promotions should be too! Check out these ideas for some fun ways to promote your rubber duck race.
Duck Balloon Selfie Contest
Encourage people in your community to take a duck selfie with your duck balloon using a hashtag. People who post pictures on social media are entered into a weekly drawing. The Exchange Club of Walla Walla had fun with this contest.
Name Your Duck Mascot Contest
Post an image of your duck race balloon and ask your fans to post in the comments suggestions for your duck mascot name like our partner The Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge did. The name with the most likes wins a duck adoption and prize pack!
Track Duck Adoptions
Create a fun duck adoption tracker at your office to create excitement about your race such as our nonprofit partner, Center for Prevention of Abuse, did for their duck race. Have employees participate in a “duckorating” contest and award a prize to the winner.
Duck Hunt for Kids
Our nonprofit partner, Clear Lake Christian School, recently had a duck hunt for their kindergarten through 5th graders! Students won fun prizes such as sunglasses and T-shirts.
Keep Teams Updated about Duck Sales
Post weekly updates to keep teams updated about their team sales to create some fun team competition such as this example from our nonprofit partner, Harbor House of Louisville.
Push Last Minute Duck Adoptions
Our nonprofit partner, Kids in Distress, posted this image on their Instagram page with the amount of ducks that were left to adopt and how those ducks could help their programs.
Share with us any fun ideas you have used to promote your duck race and we will feature them on our Facebook and Instagram Page.
- April 23, 2018
The ducks are traveling to Paducky Kentucky for the 4th Annual Paducky Derby on April 21, 2018. A total of 10,000 ducks are swimming to save, build and change lives.
4th Annual Paducky Derby
Who: Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center
The Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center is committed to saving, building and changing lives of those affected by domestic violence. Along with a 24 bed emergency shelter, the Center offers a variety of intervention and prevention programs.
Where: Noble Park Pond in Paducah, Kentucky
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. CDT.
Racer Highlights: The First Place Prize Winner goes home with $1000 cash and the Second Place Prize Winner ends up with $500 cash. Each duck adopted goes directly to help the lives of those affected by domestic violence. The more ducks you adopt, the better your chances of winning!
Racer Website: www.paducahduckrace.com
- April 18, 2018
We have a total of 15,000 ducks racing in Texas and Florida this week for two fantastic nonprofits who each help children in their community.
11th Annual Texas City ISD Youthfest & Duck Derby
Who: Texas City Independent School District (TCISD)
The 11th Annual Texas City ISD Youthfest & Duck Derby returns this Saturday. The TCISD, in collaboration with the community and the school district, supports a quality education for students by generating resources to enrich, maintain and expand programs to meet the District’s stated mission of excellence.
Where: Texas City Sting Creek
When: April 14, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT.
Highlights: Get ready for all kinds of fun family activities including face painting, food music and entertainment. A total of 5000 rubber ducks will launch at 3:00 p.m. and race to the finish line.
Prizes: The first place duck goes home with a $2500 Visa Gift Card and the second place duck wins a DJI Mavic Pro Quadcopter Drone. Other prizes include a 55″ HD TV, an Apple Watch Series 3 and a $300 Cabela’s Gift Card. All 10 prize winners have the chance to win the “Lucky Duck” prize of a new $50,000 Ford Car or Truck!
Racer Website: http://www.duckrace.com/texascity
Adopt a Duck and Help a Child’s Future!
20th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race
Who: Crosswinds Youth Services
The ducks are headed back to Brevard, Florida this Sunday for the 20th Annual Great Brevard Duck Race! Crosswinds Youth Services’ mission embodies their belief that all young people should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Where: Sand Point Park in Titusville
When: April 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. EDT.
Highlights: A total of 10,000 ducks are launching at Sand Point Park to promote the mission of Crosswinds Youth Services. The community will enjoy food, activities and music.
Prizes: One lucky duck will win the grand prize of a 2-year lease on a 2018 Honda Fit! The first prize winner will set sail on a 4-night Disney Cruise Line vacation and the second prize winner receives a certificate for an exclusive Two-Park VIP Tour for up to 4 guests at Universal Orlando Florida. Other exciting prizes include a leather chair and ottoman, an evening of shark fishing and a stay at the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront.
Adopting ducks changes lives!
Racer Website: www.greatbrevardduckrace.com
- April 10, 2018
We have a total of 8,000 rubber ducks racing in the Graham Duck Derby this weekend. The Rotary Club of Graham is going quackers over this event!
1st Annual Graham Duck Derby
Who: Rotary Club of Graham, Texas
The ducks are heading to Graham this weekend for the 1st Annual Graham Duck Derby! The Rotary Club of Graham is getting all of their ducks in a row through this event by supporting local charities that will benefit from duck adoptions. All proceeds will go towards College Scholarships, Teacher Appreciation, Habitat for Humanity, and the Coat Drive for the Goodfellow’s Angel Tree. The Rotary Club also supports the local Food Bank, the Backpack Buddies pantry and other community groups.
Where: Fireman’s Park in Graham, Texas
When: Saturday, April 7th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT. Ducks will race at 2:00 p.m.
Highlights: Join the Rotarians for a family fun day when they launch 8,000 yellow rubber ducks into the water. The community will enjoy family activities, games, remote control boats, bounce houses, live music, face painting, food trucks, a beverage tent, prizes and more. The duck race will start immediately following the Spivey Hill Challenge 5K and 1K Fun Run. One $5 duck adoption will feed a child for the weekend!
Prizes: The first place duck wins a $2,500 Visa Gift Card and the second place duck wins a $500 Visa Gift Card. Third place wins a $100 Visa Gift Card. If your duck finishes last, don’t worry since there is also a Dead Duck Last prize of a $250 Visa Gift Card.
Racer Website: www.grahamduckderby.com
- April 4, 2018
We have a total of 40,000 ducks racing in Lafayette and La Mirada this Week for two nonprofits who each help children in their community.
28th Annual Great Acadiana Running of the Ducks
Who: Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana
The 28th Annual Great Acadiana Running of the Ducks returns this week!
Where: Red Lerille’s Health & Raquet Club
When: March 28, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EST.
Highlights: Duck race fans can enjoy music, family-friendly activities, and visit with Quacky the Duck. Fans can watch 35,000 rubber ducks slide down the waterslide into the pool where they will race to win one of 13 prizes!
This year’s prizes include weekly combo meals for a year to Sonic and Burgersmith, jewelry from Armentor Jewelers and an AT&T Technology Bundle package. In addition, other prizes include a year membership at Red Lerille’s and a gift certficate for one car wash each week for a year from Ambassador Car Wash. The quickest duck will win the grand prize of a 2018 Subaru Legacy from Giles Automotive.
The best part of this evening is that all of the funds raised directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana! The Boys & Girls Clubs provides:
- Ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals.
- A safe place for children to learn and grow.
- Life-enhancing programs and character development experience.
- Hope and opportunity!
Adopt a Duck and Help a Child’s Future!
Racer Website: http://www.bgcacadiana.com/runnings-of-the-ducks/
11th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Derby Duck Race
Who: Kiwanis of La Mirada
The ducks are headed to La Mirada, California this weekend for the 11th Annual Going Quackers for Kids Derby Duck Race.
Where: Splash La Mirada Aquatic Center in La Mirada
When: March 31, 2018. Sponsor and Derby Duck Race start at 11:00 a.m.
Highlights: The event begins with an Easter Egg Hunt and Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. The Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast starts at 9:00 a.m. and will end around 10:30 a.m. PDT. Then, at 11:00 a.m., the ducks will launch and start racing at SPLASH La Mirada Regional Aquatic Center. The ducks are swimming to win the grand prize of $1,500 in addition to many other prizes.
The La Mirada chapter began in November 1979 and all of its members continue to identify the service needs and raise funds for many organizations and families in need. Proceeds from the duck race will be divided among youth-based nonprofit organizations and schools within the community of La Mirada. Some of the nonprofits that will be raising money through forming a team include: Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, Foster Road PTA, Meals on Wheels La Mirada, and High School Key Clubs.
Go QUACKERS for Kids and Adopt a Duck today before they sell out!
Racer Website: https://www.duckrace.com/lamirada
- March 27, 2018
Duck Fest Derby in Ft. Lauderdale on March 17
The 12th Annual Duck Fest Derby in Ft. Lauderdale on March 17 is this weekend. The Duck Fest Derby has a fun St. Patrick’s Day Theme this year so besides lots of yellow ducks, there will lots of green!
Who: Kids in Distress
Kids in Distress of Broward and Palm Beach counties (KID) is a licensed nationally accredited agency working for the prevention of child abuse, preservation of the family, and the treatment of abused and neglected children. From their small beginnings as a small shelter in 1979, KID programs have expanded into a comprehensive continuum of care that fills the gaps and meets the needs of at-risk children and families in their community.
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Esplanade Park
When: Saturday, March 17, 2018 starting at noon EDT.
Highlights: The KID Duck Fest Derby is celebrating 12 years of racing rubber ducks! Family activities include a bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, funny photo opportunities, fun with the Splash mascot, food trucks and more! The KID Olympics returns for another year and each child who participates in every Olympic event receives a chance to win a fun raffle prize.
Prizes: At 2:00 p.m., a total of 30,000 rubber ducks will make a splash as they race to win prizes such as a NCL Cruise for 2, a Seminole Hard Rock “Party Like a Rock Star” package, a gift certificate from Carroll’s Jewelers, golf for 4, gift baskets and more! The grand prize winner goes home with $10,000 cash!
Racer Website: www.duckfestderby.org
- March 13, 2018
2018 Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race
The 2018 Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race returns to Arizona this weekend to kick off our first duck race of the season.
The SRP Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race takes place on Saturday, March 10, 2018. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal. The day is going to be filled with food, music and lots of yellow rubber ducks! The highlight will be watching 15,000 ducks launch and float down the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal while spectators cheer on their ducks. Proceeds from the duck race benefit Fiesta Bowl Charities. Fiesta Bowl strives to enhances organizations that contribute to the success of their communities through youth, sports and education. Through charitable giving, the organization continues to enhance nonprofit organizations across Arizona by contributing $2.5 million during the 2017-2018 season alone and $10 million in the last seven years.
This year, there is a Cornhole Tournament that is going on during the duck race. All cornhole participants will receive a duck adoption with their team entry.
The VID Duck Adoption Package gives the duck adopter some special perks. You receive a prime view of the duck race from a private patio, food and drink tickets and interactive games.
The grand prize winner wins $7,500.00.
Racer Website: www.runningofthebills.org
Here is a video highlighting the 2017 Fiesta Bowl Running of the Bills Duck Race:
- March 6, 2018
Happy New Years to our Nonprofit Partners! As 2017 comes to a close and you are thinking about resolutions for next year, spend some time thinking about some rubber duck race resolutions for 2018. We have compiled a list of resolutions that you can review and if any resonate with you, plan on incorporating them in your duck race planning.
Rubber Duck Race Resolutions for 2018
- Create a team sales kit to help increase team participation and encourage teams to meet their goals. One idea is to take an Adopt a Duck Reusable Bag and fill it with duck adoption papers and duck merchandise. In the team sales guide include sample emails, social media posts and sales tips. GAME has several different team sales guides you can use as an example.
- Increase online duck adoption sales by 20%.
- Create a What a Duck Can Do image illustrating how duck adoptions benefit your nonprofit. For example, a $5.00 duck adoption will provide a full day of nutritious meals and snacks for a child in a shelter. GAME has some examples from other racers or we can help you create an image.
- Produce a video to give a better visual representation of your duck race.
- Have your duck mascot schedule “Quacky” visits with your sponsors and then post those images on social media. Make sure to tag your sponsors in the posts!
- Contact another duck racer to learn more about their organization and duck race and exchange ideas. GAME can assist you with putting you in touch with someone.
- Add a new prize for your duck race.
- Board Member Challenge – Give 20 adoption papers to board members and challenge them to return all 20 completed.
- Bring a racing duck with you when you are traveling and post pictures of your travels with your duck. You can use the pictures to promote your duck race such as Where’s Quacky to help increase engagement.
- Have regularly scheduled duck race meetings to help keep everyone on track. Schedule a breakfast or lunch meeting where everyone gets together and gives updates on their various roles.
- Get your duck mascot on TV or have Quacky help with the weather forecast.
- Secure one new sponsor for your duck race.
- Add a new children’s activity for race day.
- Before the ducks get picked up for the next race, ensure that the ducks are clean and that the totes are arranged properly on the pallets.
If you have any resolutions that you would like to add to the list, please share them with us on Facebook! We are wishing all of our nonprofit partners a ducktacular 2018 Rubber Duck Race Season!
- December 27, 2017
Our Rubber Duck Racer Spotlight on Tampa, FL this month features our nonprofit partner, Kiwanis Club of Tampa who raced for the first time in 2017. They surpassed their original goal of 5,000 ducks and ended up ordering more ducks!
Organization Name: Kiwanis Club of Tampa
Years Racing with GAME: 2017 was our first year
Head Duck: Amanda Malinowski
Tell us a little bit about your organization and why you are racing Rubber Ducks: The Kiwanis Club of Tampa has been serving children in the Tampa community since 1919. We were looking for a new fundraiser that was fun, family-oriented, and would invite the community to join in on the fun and learn more about our organization.
What is your favorite part of planning a Rubber Duck Race: Thinking, talking and working with ducks all the time was so fun!
Do you have any duck race tips you would share with a first time racer? Put some thought into post race activities. We didn’t plan well for all the follow up activities that needed to happen after the race. Activities such as getting in touch with winners, thanking sponsors, and posting updates on our website and social media.
How do you keep your race fresh and new year after year? This was our first year, but we already have plans next year to make the race lane bigger and add more ducks! We will be also improving on our food offerings and entertainment.
What is something some people might not know about your organization and/or Rubber Duck Race? People don’t know that our organization also partners with other local nonprofits. We would love to have more partnerships for our duck race too!
What are some organizational goals you are trying to achieve with your Rubber Duck Race? We are hoping to eventually raise $50,000 for our duck race. Our goal is also to leverage the race to help with more media exposure so we can get more people familiar with our organization.
Favorite phrase or quote? Be the change you want to see in the world.
Favorite Ducktionary Phrase? Why did the duck cross the road? Because he wasn’t a chicken!
- November 29, 2017
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