Got questions? We've got answers.
Race day begins at 1pm and the ducks begin their race at 3pm
One week prior to our duck race, volunteers come together and place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that plans to race! Each number corresponds to someone who has adopted a duck. Our good friends at Roland Machinery Co. carry all the ducks to the water and then dump them in at the start of the race!
Special Olympics Illinois will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption.
Light rain won't stop the ducks! In the case of severe weather, the event may be postponed. Check our website and social media for updates if weather looks questionable.
Rubber ducks, silly!
Volunteers collect the ducks from the pond, then our friends from Heartland Coca Cola crate them up and send them on to the next race.
No, your adopted duck will race for your chance to win fabulous prizes. You will not be able to keep the duck after the race.
No, but it’s a lot of fun to attend Race Day! There may also be pop up prizes awarded for anyone who purchases a Quack Pack, a Flock of Ducks or a Derby Donor package.
No. All activities, entertainment, and give-a-ways are free on Race Day. However, to adopt a duck the cost is $5.
Single duck: $5 Quack Pack (6 ducks for the price of 5): $25 Quacker's Dozen (12 ducks for the price of 10): $50 Flock of Ducks (Get 24 ducks in the race for the price of 20) $100.00 Ducky Derby Donor (Get 60 ducks in the race for the price of 50) $250.00
Yes, you can adopt ducks until approximately 2:30 p.m. (or when ducks sell out) on Race Day at the race location. Online adoptions will remain open until 2:00 p.m. (or sooner depending on sales).
Still have questions?
Reach out to the event organizers — we're happy to help!