Who does The Great Bavarian Duck Race benefit?
All proceeds from The Great Bavarian Duck Race will benefit the Rotary Club of Leavenworth WA.
How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at an adoption booth or in a sponsoring business 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.
How do my ducks get in the water?
Let’s Tag! A few days prior to The Great Bavarian Duck Race, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the event - which is 5000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7-digit number and ending with a 7-digit number.
For Example: 8580001-8590000
What is my tag number?
Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no duck has an unfair advantage, and the event is not fixed, so to ensure the integrity of the event, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all the ducks you have adopted will be in the water.
What if you have 4,000 Adopted Ducks but you have 5,000 Tagged Ducks on Event Day?
If all our ducks have not been adopted by event day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt up to an hour prior to the event. Their names will be placed at random into the mix, next to a number that does not already have a name by it. Anyone can adopt up until the event starts as long as the event is not sold out.
When and where is The Great Bavarian Duck Race and what does it cost?
The Great Bavarian Duck Race will take place on September 12, 2026 at Blackbird Island Bridge in downtown Leavenworth. A total of 5000 ducks will be launched at approximately 2:30 pm. The first 3 ducks through the finish line will win some amazing prizes. There is even a prize for last place!
How will I know if my duck wins?
The Rotary Club of Leavenworth WA 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 adopt a duck.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No. After you adopt your duck, The Great Bavarian Duck Race team will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for event day. After the event, all the ducks will fly off to their next event 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!
Can I adopt ducks on event day?
If all our 5000 Ducks have not been adopted as of September 11, 2026 the remaining ducks will be available for adoption on event day until one hour prior to the start of the event at an adoption booth set up during the event.
How do I contact someone at The Great Bavarian Duck Race if I have questions that are not answered here?
Please contact us by emailing leavenworthwarotary@gmail.com or calling 206-849-6466.