Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the Super Duper Duck Splash benefit?

All proceeds from the Super Duper Duck Splash will benefit the Wakefield Rotary Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Wakefield Rotary Club, and its youth initiative programs. After each of our previous duck races, the Wakefield Rotary Club donated to our Duck Buddies—four youth charities in our community.

When and where will the race happen?

The ducks will race on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The event returns to Downtown Wake Forest! Winners do not need to be present to win; they will be contacted if their duck wins a prize and will have 60 days to claim it.

Race Day Schedule:

• 1:45 PM: Corporate Duck Race

• 2:00 PM: Super Duper Duck Splash (Main Race)

• 3:00 PM: Winners Announced

How does it work?

Everyone who adopts a duck—whether online, in the mail, or at a sponsoring business—is entered into E-Quack, a database that stores all adoption 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 numbers are shuffled. E-Quack then automatically assigns your tag numbers. For example, if you adopt 5 ducks, your name will be placed next to 5 different Tag Numbers.

How do my ducks get in the water?

Let’s Tag! A few days prior to the Super Duper Duck Splash, volunteers place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck—at least 5,000 in total! The tags are waterproof labels with a 7-digit number (e.g., 8580001-8590000).

What is my tag number?

Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer to ensure a fair race and maintain integrity. To keep the event secure, tag numbers are not given out individually. Rest assured, all the ducks you have adopted will be in the water on race day!

What if you have 4,000 adopted ducks but 5,000 tagged ducks?

If all our ducks have not been adopted by event day, lucky adopters can still adopt ducks up until one hour prior to the race. These names will be randomly assigned to the remaining available numbers. Anyone can adopt until one hour before the race begins, provided the race is not sold out.

When and where is the race, and what does it cost?

The Super Duper Duck Splash takes place on May 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Downtown Wake Forest (next to Norse Brewing Company). You can also find updates online at Wakefield Rotary Facebook.

Cash Prizes for 2026:

• 1st Place: $1,500

• 2nd Place: $1,000

• 3rd Place: $500

• Other amazing prizes will be awarded, including a prize for the last duck!

How will I know if my duck wins?

A member of the Wakefield Rotary Club will contact you using the information provided during adoption. Winners will also be listed on this website and our Facebook page.

Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?

Rubber ducks, silly! Adopt yours today.

Who can adopt a duck?

Anyone! However, you must be at least 18 years old to adopt one or more ducks.

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

No. After adoption, the ducks go into training to be ready for race day. After the splash, all ducks fly off to their next race somewhere else in the U.S.

Do I need to be present to win?

No, you do not need to be present to win, though we would love for you to join the festivities!

Can I adopt ducks on race day?

If we have not reached our 5,000-duck limit by May 2nd, the remaining ducks will be available for adoption on race day until 1:00 PM.

How do I contact someone with more questions?

Please reach out to us by emailing NCDuckSplash@gmail.com.