Rubber duck racing may sound like an unusual way to pass the time, but for residents of Noblesville, Indiana, and other small towns, it’s a quintessential summer activity.
Across the United States, organizations and individuals are readying their proverbial motors for big summer races. This quirky summer pastime is popular in small towns throughout the US, and even a few full-fledged cities host annual events.
Rubber duck races offer people the chance to spend a fun-filled day outdoors, win prizes, and support local nonprofits and businesses. As a result, this unique sport has become a go-to fundraiser for organizations nationwide. Let’s take a look at a few examples.
1. Noblesville, Indiana – White River Celebration Duck Race
In Noblesville, Indiana, the big summer festival is the White River Celebration, and this annual event wouldn’t be complete without the Duck Race. During the White River Celebration, thousands of rubber ducks compete to raise money for local nonprofits and parks, allowing residents to do some good while having a good time.
2. Breckenridge, Colorado – Great Rubber Duck Race
The Great Rubber Duck Race of Breckenridge, Colorado, is held by the Summit Foundation. Thousands of ducks meander slowly down the Blue River during this annual event, with different categories for kids, corporations, and sponsored ducks. Take-home prizes range from hotel stays to winter ski passes.
3. Juneau, Alaska – Gold Rush Days Duck Derby
Every year, Juneau, Alaska, celebrates the area’s mining and logging history at Gold Rush Days. The Duck Derby is one of the most popular events, with attendees adopting ducks to support youth programs. Prizes include gift baskets, travel vouchers, and more.
4. Chicago, Illinois – Chicago Duck Derby
Unsurprisingly, Chicago, Illinois, hosts one of the biggest rubber duck races in the country. During the Chicago Duck Derby, tens of thousands of ducks travel down the Chicago River, starting near Michigan Avenue. In this case, they race to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
5. Knoxville, Tennessee – Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race
The Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race is held by Boys & Girls Clubs and takes place at Volunteer Landing. The event includes not just the race itself but also food, music, and, of course, prizes.
6. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Duck Derby on the Allegheny
During the Duck Derby on the Allegheny, corporate sponsors pledge money to the Partners for Quality Foundation, an organization that supports people with disabilities. In this case, the prizes are nothing more than bragging rights, but that doesn’t stop attendees from cheering on their sponsored ducks.
7. Cleveland, Ohio – Duck Tape Festival & Duck Race
As the home of Duck brand duct tape, Cleveland, Ohio, has a unique claim to fame. They also have a unique summer festival that combines duck racing with tape-themed events. You’ll find all kinds of wild costumes at this interesting local event.
8. Seattle, Washington – Fremont Duck Dodge
The Fremont Duck Dodge isn’t exactly a typical duck race, but it deserves a spot on this list for originality alone. The weekly summer boat race involves sailing Lake Union around floating rubber ducks. Less family-friendly than some, alcohol-fueled shenanigans are commonplace at this fun event.
9. Boulder, Colorado – Boulder Creek Festival Duck Race
The Boulder Creek Festival is a popular arts and food fest that takes place every year in Boulder, Colorado. The final event of the weekend is always a rubber duck race through Boulder Creek. Proceeds from the race go to support local nonprofits.
10. New Braunfels, Texas – Duck Race & Splashfest
Held at Landa Park, the Duck Race & Splashfest combines traditional rubber duck racing with water games and a splash zone for kids. The event offers a great way to beat the heat and have fun with the whole family.
What’s the Deal With the Ducks?
So, what is it about rubber duck racing that makes the sport so popular? Is it the absurdity of watching a host of rubber duckies floating down a pristine natural river? The excitement of a friendly competition? The only way to find out for sure is to attend one of this year’s races for yourself.
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