Q: Who does the San Antonio Duck Derby benefit?
All proceeds from the San Antonio Duck Derby benefit the following causes: Rotary Club of San Antonio Kingdom for Kids, Snack Pak 4 Kids San Antonio, and SNIPSA. All area Rotary Clubs are encouraged to participate, and the impact of the San Antonio Duck Derby addresses both food insecurity and mental health needs of disadvantaged children and rescue animals – three groups at high risk in our community.
Q: How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at a Duck Race booth, from a nonprofit Partner is entered into what we call E-Quack, a database that stores the duck purchaser’s 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.
Q: How do my ducks get in the water?
Let’s Tag! A few days prior to the San Antonio Duck Derby, volunteers place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the Duck Race. The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7-digit number and ending with a 7-digit number. For example: 8580001-8590000
Q: What is my tag number?
Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by a computer. We want to make sure that no duck has an unfair advantage, so to ensure the integrity of the race, the computer randomizes the assignment. Rest assured all the ducks you have adopted will be in the water.
Q: What if you have 4,000 Adopted Ducks, but you have 5,000 Tagged Ducks on Duck Race Day?
If all our ducks have not been adopted by race day, a lucky adopter can still adopt up to 30 minutes prior to the race as long as the race is not sold out. Their names will be placed at random into the mix, next to a number that does not already have a name by it.
Q: When and where is the San Antonio Duck Derby, and what does it cost?
The San Antonio Duck Derby takes place on Saturday, May 9th, from 11 am-2 pm at the Ampitheater near La Gloria at Pearl. We will launch the race at 1:30 pm. The first 10 ducks through the finish line will win some amazing prizes.
Q: How will I know if my duck wins?
The Rotary Club of San Antonio will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption. You do not need to be present to win.
Q: Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks!
Q: Who can adopt a duck?
You must be at least 18 years old to adopt a duck.
Q: Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No. After you adopt your duck, San Antonio Duck Derby Team team 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.
Q: 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 race, though!
Q: Can I adopt ducks on race day?
If all our 5,000 have not been adopted by race day , the remaining ducks will be available for adoption on race day until 30 minutes prior to the start of the race at an adoption booth set up near the starting line of the San Antonio Duck Derby.
Q: Where do I park?
Historic Pearl offers ample parking through surface lots and a parking garage, and there are several lots surrounding the area.
Q: Can I bring food or drinks?
Food trucks and vendors will be present at the event, and there are ample restaurants and food booths at Pearl Farmer’s Market.
Q: Is Duck Derby bad for the environment?
No. These adorable yellow rubber ducks race down a manmade tributary of the San Antonio River toward the finish line, where the winning ducks are revealed. After the race, the Rotary Club of San Antonio and their volunteers gather every last duck so they can be reused for the next organization hosting a Duck Derby event!
Q: How do I contact someone about Duck Derby if I have questions that are not answered here?
Please contact us by emailing rotarysaduckderby@gmail.com