The Chicago River is officially turning yellow!
And no, we don’t mean the river is being dyed. Instead, it will be filled with tiny yellow ducks. The 21st annual Chicago Ducky Derby is taking place this Thursday, August 6.
As the second-largest duck race in America, over 85,000 rubber ducks will race down the Chicago River, starting from the Columbus Drive Bridge. This event raises money and awareness for Special Olympics Illinois.
Since its inception in 2005, the Chicago Ducky Derby has raised more than $4.8 million for Special Olympics athletes in Illinois.
Chicago Ducky Derby takes over the Chicago River this Thursday
10 AM – Derby Festival
Free and open to the public with family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Location: Pioneer Court
1 PM – Splashdown & Race
Over 85,000 rubber ducks will race down the Chicago River to support Special Olympics Illinois. The race lasts about 30 minutes.
Location: Columbus Drive Bridge
What’s the Grand Prize?
The winning duck will receive a brand-new Chevy Trax. Additional prizes include $2,500 in cash and four Cubs tickets to the Eero Club at Wrigley Field.
How to support the cause
Duck adoptions begin at $10, with all proceeds directly benefiting Special Olympics Illinois programming, which is provided free of charge to athletes across the state. Ducks can be adopted until 12:30 PM on race day, or until they are sold out. You can adopt a duck and enter the race here.
