What is the Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash? The Southern Illinois Ducky Derby Dash at the Du Quoin State Fair is a signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Illinois. On September 1, 2019 thousands of spectators will watch 11,000+ Ducks splash into the lake behind the Exhibition Hall on the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds and race towards the finish line.

Race Day kicks off at 1:00pm with a parade! The ducks race at 3:00pm, followed by entertainment for the entire family – live music, face painting, games, and an appearance by Splash, the Duck.

How do I adopt a duck? You can Adopt a duck for only $5. Get more chances to win by purchasing a Quack Pack (6 ducks for $25), Flock of Ducks (24 ducks for $100) or Ducky Derby Donor (60 ducks for $250)!

*Are you adopting a duck on behalf of a friend, co-worker or family member affiliated with a Sales Team? If so, be sure to select the team you want to get credit for your adoption. Click on a team member name to give credit to a specific person.

What if my duck wins? You could be the winner of one of our great prizes!

How do I get involved? Sales teams are forming now. Put together a group of friends, colleagues or family members to join the fun. Teams compete for bragging rights and great prizes. To form a Sales Team click here. For more information on starting a team or to volunteer, contact Kim Talley at ktalley@soill.org - phone 618-457-2969 or Jackie Flechs at jflechs@soill.org - phone: 618-383-4526.




Jacob Dobson- Our 2019 Ducky Derby Dash Ambassador!

Jacob is the 23 year old son of Vicky Dobson and Toby Dobson. He has been involved in Special Olympics since he was 5 years old. He started with track and field, bocce, and bowling. Then as he got older he began to add team sports. He played on the volleyball team and basketball team for over 12 years when he was a student at Brownsville School. Jacob graduated Brownsville School and is now competing with the Saline County Superstars Young Adult team.

He is very outgoing. He loves all the people that he gets to meet in Special Olympics and has never meet a stranger. He thinks that great sportsmanship is more important than winning. He gets that from all his years in Special Olympics. When not preparing for Special Olympics, Jacob is supporting his local school sports. He attends lots of ballgames and supports as many teams as possible in the area. He will always notice good sportsmanship instead of the scores, he tries to pass that on to everyone he meets while attending the ballgames.

Jacob is also an active member of his Ditney Ridge Church. He has been attending this church for many years and helps with the youth programs there. He is a very outgoing, young man that brings a smile to everyone’s face. This will be Jacob’s 3rd year involved in the Southern Illinois Duck Derby. He loves setting up his sells booth at the local Wal-Mart and talking to all the people and explaining to them about the Duck Derby and Special Olympics.


Certified Duck Retail locations:

DuQuoin



Prizes

  • PRIZE #1: $2,000 CASH courtesy of 4 Country Financial Representatives below

  • PRIZE #2 All-Inclusive Vacation to Riviera Maya
    PRIZE #2 All-Inclusive Vacation to Riviera Maya
    Three night all-inclusive trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico for two adults departing from St. Louis. Winner must be at least 21 years old or traveling with a legal guardian. Courtesy of Apple Vacations, America's Favorite Vacation Company and Riu Hotels and Resorts.

  • PRIZE # 3 Stay and play package with gift basket from Alto Vinyards
    PRIZE # 3 Stay and play package with gift basket from Alto Vinyards

    Stay and Play golf and cabin Keller’s Crossing at Stone Creek, Makanda, IL. 2-night stay in (2) 2-bedroom cabins, with 2 days of golf for up to 4 people. Gift basket upon arrival from Alto Vineyards.



  • PRIZE 4: 2 Tickets to the NASCAR race in 2020 at the Chicagoland Speedway
    PRIZE 4: 2 Tickets to the NASCAR race in 2020 at the Chicagoland Speedway

    The stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series slide into Chicagoland Speedway. The 2018 culminated with one of the greatest finishes in NASCAR history. The world's greatest stock car drivers. The world's greatest fans. This prize includes 2 tickets to the NASCAR race and a $300 gift card to cover your choice of gas, hotel or food on the trip to the Speedway.

     


  • PRIZE #5 Shawnee forest, wine, sleep, zip, horseback ride and eat package
    PRIZE #5 Shawnee forest, wine, sleep, zip, horseback ride and eat package
    1 night stay in the beautiful Tuscany Romance Suite at the Blue Sky Winery. Zip line for 1 person at Shawnee Canopy Zip line 3 hour tour at Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour. GUIDED HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDES IN BEAUTIFUL GIANT CITY STATE PARK Gift certificate to eat in the gorgeous Giant City Lodge at Giant City State Park



  • PRIZE #6 Pub Table and Beer Trail package
    PRIZE #6 Pub Table and Beer Trail package
    This amazing Pub Table handcrafted by a local donor for you to enjoy time with friends and family.
    Bonus, gift certificates from several local breweries that are members of the Southern Illinois Beer Trail.
    At some stops you can also get a private tour and sample their selections.



  • Shop Local Prize pool- pop up prizes

    Drawings will be held throughout the selling season for anyone who buys a Quack Pack, a Flock of Ducks or a Derby Donor Package!

    Drawing dates will be announced via social media posts, at Certified Duck Dealer locations and with Media Sponsors.

    The Shop Local Prize package features gift certificates, baskets and products that are one of a kind such as uniquely produced or crafted products right here in southern Illinois. Items included as of now, more may be added later, are Rendleman Orchards gift certificate, McNitt Growers gift certificate, Somerset Farms farm house meat bundle, Five Hen Farm chicken and eggs package, a one of a kind necklace from Twisted by Lisa Smith, custom made piece for the Ducky Derby by Beth Alongi Glass, a gift basket from Louie’s PR Deli, 2 rounds of Golf at Hickory Ridge Golf Course and several others to be announced.