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Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about our cause and how the duck race works.
Make a contribution:
Adopt a Duck

How do my ducks get in the water?

Let’s tag! A few days prior to AFA's Bayou City Duck Race, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the race - which is at least 5,000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7 digit number and ending with a 7 digit number.

For Example:
7458001-7463000

How does it work?

Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in-person at an AFA event or through the mail, is entered into what we call E-Quack, a database that stores all of the information. Next to your name in E-Quack is the number of ducks you have adopted. The tag range is entered into E-Quack and all the numbers are shuffled up. Then, E-Quack automatically assigns the number of ducks you have adopted next to tag numbers. Thus, if you adopted 5 ducks, your name will be placed next to 5 different tag numbers.

What is my tag number?

Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no duck has a head start and that the race is not fixed so, to ensure the integrity of the race, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all of the ducks you have adopted will be in the water.

What time is AFA's Bayou City Duck Race?

All kinds of family fun will start on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10 am at Allen’s Landing. The ducks will be launched and begin racing at 10:30 am. The first 10 ducks to cross the finish line will win a prize! Ten "lucky ducks" will be chosen at random to win a prize, too.

How will I know if my duck wins?

AFA will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption. You do not need to be present to win.

Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?

Rubber ducks, silly!

Who can adopt a duck?

Anyone! However, you must be at least 18 years old to claim a prize.

Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?

No. After you adopt your duck, AFA will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for race day. After the race, all of the ducks will fly off to their next race somewhere in the US.

Do I need to be present to win?

No, the winner does not need to be present to win. We do hope you will join us for the festivities, though!

Is my duck adoption tax deductible?

Unfortunately, duck adoptions are not eligible for tax deduction. Any donation above the $5 per duck adoption fee is tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor.

Is there an admission fee for AFA's Bayou City Duck Race?

No, the duck race is open to the public and is held at Allen's Landing Park located at 1005 Commerce Street in downtown Houston.

How do I contact someone at AFA if I have questions or issues that are not answered here?

Please contact AFA at (713) 522-9699 with any questions.

Who does AFA's Bayou City Duck Race benefit?

All proceeds from AFA's Bayou City Duck Race benefit AFA, a 501(c)(3) charity, which enriches the lives of young people through music. Please visit our Website or our Facebook Page for more information.