Windy City Rubber Duck Derby

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha, and I am one of Billy’s summer interns. I grew up in the Southwest suburbs, and attend college in downtown Chicago. Every now and then I will be sharing some cool events that are going on in, and around Chicago.

For the past few years, I have attended the Windy City Rubber Duck Derby here in Chicago. For those of you who haven’t been to the Rubber Duck Derby you can go on Thursday, August 7th. The event is held every year to benefit the Special Olympics of Illinois. Since 1968 the organization has been helping people with intellectual disabilities, and there are over 22,000 athletes who participate in this program.

Every year over 50,000 Rubber Ducks are dumped into the Chicago River off of the Columbus Drive Bridge, and they race down the Chicago River.  This year’s goal is to sell 60,000 Rubber Ducks who will participate in the race. You can adopt a race duck for just $5 or you can adopt and purchase a quack pack of six ducks for only $25. If your duck wins the race you can win one of several great prizes including a brand new Chevy Equinox.

All of the ducks are dropped into the water at 1pm sharp. There is also a family fun festival that starts at 10am in front of the Wrigley building. The festival will offer family entertainment, face painting, snacks, and appearances by some of your favorite sports mascots.