Adopt A Rubber Duck And Watch It Race Down The River At Next Week’s Derby

DOWNTOWN — Tens of thousands of rubber ducks will splash into the Chicago River next week at the city’s annual Duck Derby.

People who want to participate can adopt a duck online or in person on race day and watch it race from the Columbus Bridge at 1 p.m. Thursday. You can adopt a lone duck for $5 or packs of quacks for $25-$1,000. All proceeds go toward Special Olympics Illinois.

The derby is also a raffle. Prizes will be awarded to ducks — and their adopters — who win first through fourth place.

Winners will get an all-new Chevy Equinox courtesy of Chevy Drives Chicago, a Royal Caribbean cruise, a $2,500 cash prize and four tickets to Windy City Smokeout, respectively.

Supporters can also stop by Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., before the ducks take off for a family festival featuring live music and games. It runs 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

All ducks will be removed from the water by volunteers and staff after the race, according to the event website.

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