Frequently Asked Questions

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

Who does the Rockland Duck Derby benefit?

All proceeds from the Rockland Duck Derby will benefit Good Samaritan Hospital, Rockland Community Foundation, Rockland Meals on Wheels & Jawonio.

How does it work?

Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at a duck race booth in the community, or as a sponsor is entered into what is called 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 Rockland Duck Derby, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the Duck Derby-our goal is to sell 5000 ducks. 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. To ensure the integrity of the race, 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 Duck Race Day?

If all our ducks have not been adopted by race day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt up to an hour prior to the race. 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 until an hour before the race begins, as long as the race is not sold out.

When and where is the Rockland Duck Derby and what does it cost?

The Rockland Duck Derby will take place on (August 18, 2024 at Germonds Park Pool in West Nyack, NY. The ducks will be launched at approximately 9:30AM. The first three ducks through the finish line will win cash prizes. First Place =$1000, Second Place=$750, Third Place=$500. If the winning duck matches the pre-selected number that has chosen, the winner will receive $1 million payable at $25,000/year over 40 years.

How will I know if my duck wins?

A representative of the Rockland Duck Derby 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!