FAQs
What time do the ducks race?
Race day begins at 1pm and the ducks begin their race at 3pm
How Do My Ducks Get in the Water?
One week prior to our duck race, volunteers come together and place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that plans to race! Each number corresponds to someone who has adopted a duck. Our good friends at Roland Machinery Co. carry all the ducks to the water and then dump them in at the start of the race!
How will I know if my duck wins?
Special Olympics Illinois will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption.
Can I adopt a duck for my child?
Duck adoptions must be made in the name of an adult, age 18 or older.
Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks, silly!
What happens to all the ducks after the race?
Volunteers collect the ducks from the pond, then our friends from Heartland Coca Cola crate them up and send them on to the next race.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No, your adopted duck will race for your chance to win fabulous prizes. You will not be able to keep the duck after the race.
Do I need to be present to win?
No, but it’s a lot of fun to attend Race Day! There may also be pop up prizes awarded for anyone who purchases a Quack Pack, a Flock of Ducks or a Derby Donor package.
Is there an admission fee for the Duck Derby?
No. All activities, entertainment, and give-a-ways are free on Race Day. However, to adopt a duck the cost is $5.
How much do ducks cost?
Single duck: $5
Quack Pack (6 ducks for the price of 5): $25
Quacker's Dozen (13 ducks for the price of 10): $50
Flock of Ducks (Get 24 ducks in the race for the price of 20) $100.00
Ducky Derby Donor (Get 60 ducks in the race for the price of 50) $250.00
Can I adopt ducks on race day?
Yes, you can adopt ducks until approximately 2:30 p.m. (or when ducks sell out) on Race Day at the race location. Online adoptions will remain open until 2:00 p.m. (or sooner depending on sales).