Sometimes it’s as small as a yellow duck. Adopt one today, and it becomes meals, programs, and brighter days for neighbors who need them most.
September 17, 2026 · Louisville, KY
Ken-Ducky Derby 2026
Adopt a duck, float with your neighbors, and turn a sunny afternoon into real support for the people who need it most.
Duck adoption goal
Help us fill the water with kindness
1,376 ducks left before the finish line.
1,624
Adopted
3,000
Goal
$5,490
Raised
54%
StartGoal
What we believe
Three promises behind every race
The race is the fun part — these are the parts that matter.
💛Our mission
Neighbors helping neighbors
Every dollar raised stays close to home, funding the programs our own community counts on.
🌊Our vision
A tradition worth keeping
One joyful day on the water that families look forward to — and count on — every single year.
🤝Our commitment
Clear and open, always
We share where the money goes, so you can feel great about every duck you adopt.
Find the pack that fits
Start with one duck or bring the whole flock — every adoption goes straight to work.
Our story
How it all comes together
The story of the race, one chapter at a time.
Why a duck race?
A simple way to do a lot of good
A duck race turns generosity into a moment the whole community shares. Every adopted duck funds local programs — and on race day, thousands of them float for the causes we care about. No experience needed, no minimums. Just pick a duck and cheer.
See why it mattersWho it helps
Racing for every corner of our community
Youth programs
🦆
Food security
🦆
Animal rescue
🦆
Family services
🦆
Schools & scouts
🦆
Local heroes
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Youth programs
🦆
Food security
🦆
Animal rescue
🦆
Family services
🦆
Schools & scouts
🦆
Local heroes
🦆
New here?
What is a duck race?
Four gentle steps from “what’s a duck race?” to “that’s my duck!”
🦆Adopt
Choose your ducks
Pick a pack and we’ll match you with numbered ducks — each one yours to cheer for.
Learn more
🏷️Tag
We get them race-ready
Volunteers tag every duck so it’s matched to its adopter on race day.
🌊Float
The flock sets sail
Thousands of ducks drift down the water together while the community cheers from the banks.
🏆Celebrate
Winners & good news
First ducks home win prizes — and every single duck helps the cause win.
Our results
Small ducks, big ripples
What this community has made possible, one race at a time.
12,000+
Ducks adopted
Each one a few dollars of direct support
$240K
Raised for local programs
Every dollar stays in our community
35+
Community partners
Schools, shelters, and services we fund
9
Years of racing
A tradition families count on
From the flock
The gentlest fundraiser you’ll ever join
One moment from our community says more than any statistic.
A calmer kind of race day
Golden hour on the water, after the cheering quiets down.
I came for my kids. I’ll be back because of how it felt to be part of it.”
A first-year adopter · Now a team captain
A little thank-you
Prizes for the fastest floaters
Winning is sweet — helping is sweeter.
Grand Prize
2-Night Stay at Galt House Hotel
$600
Second Place
$250 Gift Card to Fourth Street Live
$250
Third Place
Churchill Downs VIP Box for 4
$400
Fourth Place
Louisville Bats Season Ticket Package
$150
Fifth Place
$100 Amazon Gift Card
$100
Last Duck Prize
Consolation rubber duck trophy
Priceless
Moments of calm
It feels like this
Soft water, sunny ducks, and a community showing up.
Quiet before the race
Found in the wild
The whole family floats
Flocks making waves together
Gather your people and float as one.
You’re in good company
Hand in hand with local partners
Local businesses making every splash possible.
Beyond the race
More gentle ways to help
Pick the pace that feels right — every path supports the same mission.
Gift
Gift a duck
Adopt in someone’s honor — we’ll send them their duck’s lucky number with a note from you.
Gift a duck
Teams
Float together
Start a flock with friends, family, or coworkers and watch your impact multiply.
Start a team
Volunteer
Join the race crew
Tag ducks, line the banks, and help the day run smoothly for everyone.
Say hello
One last thing
Kindness isn’t complicated
Before you float
Gentle answers to good questions
How adoptions work, what race day looks like, and where every dollar lands.