Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rockville Rubber Ducky Derby?
The rubber ducky derby is a community-based fundraising event that culminates with the launch of 5,000 rubber duckies into the pool at the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center. Participants “adopt” rubber ducks by purchasing raffle tickets. A few lucky ducks get plucked from the flock to win a prize for the adopter. You will quack up when you see all those rubber duckies compete in the pool!
Who benefits from the Rockville Rubber Duck Derby?
Sponsored by the Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation, all proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Youth Recreation Fund to provide scholarships for recreational activities for underserved youth.
Why should my business sponsor the Rockville Duck Derby?
Supporting the Youth Recreation Fund provides meaningful recreational opportunities for children in need.
The Duck Derby is promoted broadly throughout the fundraising campaign. Sponsors are publicly recognized at popular adoption events including festivals, races, and the local farmers market, as well as on the Duck Derby website which is linked to an extensive social media campaign. And of course, sponsors are identified and announced at the in-person Duck Derby launch party.
How does it work?
Rubber duckies can be adopted at local events, online, at a sponsoring business, or in-person up until 5:45 p.m. on Derby Day. Adoptions are entered into E-Quack, a proprietary and secure database that assigns a unique raffle number for each duck that corresponds to its “owner.” For example, if you adopt five ducks, you have five entries and five chances to win. Prizes range from $1,000 cash to gift cards to certificates for spa services, gym memberships, classes and more!
Who can adopt a duck?
Since this is a raffle, duck adopters must be at least 18 years old.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
The Rockville Rubber Ducky Derby team will train, coach, and make sure each duck is ready for Derby Day. After the race, all the ducks will exit the pool for the locker room and then fly off to their next event destination.
What is my tag number?
Tag numbers are not disclosed to ensure the integrity of the event. Rest assured, your adopted ducks will be safely tagged and in the water. No duck has an unfair advantage – E-Quack tracks every duck like a hawk!
How do my ducks get in the water?
Volunteers tag the ducks with a waterproof label that displays a unique 7-digit number. The rubber duckies are carefully cared for until Derby Day. With a big splash, our highly competitive ducks will be launched into the pool to greet and race against their fellow rubber duckies – each one vying to be plucked out as a Winner!
When and where is the Rockville Rubber Ducky Derby? How do I attend?
The Derby will take place Friday, July 18th at the Outdoor Pool of the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center, 355 Martins Lane. Doors open at 4 p.m. for the Derby; ducks will launch at approximately 6 p.m. The event is free - just bring your giggles for the event and your goggles for the free swim before or after the race.
How will I know if my duck wins?
Winners will be announced at the event. You do not need to be present to win − you just need to admire your prize after a representative from Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation contacts you.
Still have questions? Please contact us at EDeal@Rockvillemd.gov or (240) 314-8658.