20th anniversary of Special Olympics Ducky Derby returns to the Chicago River

Twenty years ago, Special Olympics Illinois came up with the idea of a “Ducky Derby” on the Chicago River as an organization fundraiser. Supporters could “adopt” ducks; the winning duck would win cash prizes, and it would raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. 

Great idea, but back then, only a few lonely plastic ducks dared enter the water, in a somewhat understated opening performance.

Now? Twenty years later? Some 75,000 little yellow duckies will enter theChicago River this year in a huge yellow blob, as they race eastward toward Lake Michigan to see who will be the eventual champion.

To say the least, the event has grown from its quiet beginnings. It has now developed into one of the bigger events that the city offers in the summer, and draws thousands of spectators who come for a morning and early afternoon of entertainment and enjoyment—all to help a good cause: supporting Special Olympics Illinois.

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The Ducky Derby will take place on Thursday, August 7. The official duck launch will be at 1 p.m. from Columbus Drive, as a lucky selected truck driver has the honor of pushing the button to slowly but surely eject the 75,000 yellow ducks into the river. Quite an amazing visual.

Each duck has an assigned number, and donors pay to “adopt” a duck.  This year, the winning duck will bring its owner a brand new Chevy Trailblazer, while other prizes given out include $2,500 in cash, Cubs tickets, and more.

Adopt one duck for just $10–or, if you want to really go the extra mile for Special Olympics Illinois, you can get a “Quack Pack” of six for $30, a “ducky dozen” for $60, a 24 “flock of ducks” for $120, or go completely wild and get the 240 “Diamond Duck Pack” for $1,200.

Remember, it’s all for a good cause, Special Olympics Illinois!

The race itself is just part of a whole celebration event. Other activities will be held at Pioneer Court (next to the Apple store on Michigan Avenue) starting at 10 a.m. and going ’til 2:30.

DJ  MH2DA will be rockin' the court area playing the upbeat tunes, while there will be all kinds of food trucks and booths set up, along with face painting, a dunk tank, and much more–maybeeven a few celebrity sightings!

Don’t forget, the entire event is absolutely free for all spectators.

Splashdown for the race is 1 p.m. at the Columbus Street bridge. The Northman Beer and Cider Garden on the river will be hosting a “watch party” beginning at 11:45 a.m. 

The Special Olympics Ducky Derby has truly become a Chicago tradition over the past 20 years, and coming up on Thursday, August 7, that tradition continues!