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How to Run a Rubber Duck Race

Rubber ducks have been bobbing within bathtubs and backyard pools for years. Since the world's first rubber duck race in the United States in 1988, rubber ducks have been racing within rivers and tumbling over waterfalls. Plop the silent little ducks into any water source of your choice to race for your 4-H club, church youth group or school fundraising event. Rubber duck races are inexpensive, entertaining and easy events to run.

Things You'll Need

Rubber ducks
Location permit (optional)
Table
Balloons
Waterproof markers
Tickets
Money boxes
Poster charts or notepads
Pond netting (optional)
Water shooters (optional)
Prizes

Instructions

- 1
  
  Purchase rubber ducks wholesale if you need a large quantity of ducks.
  
  Choose the location for the event. The location will be dependent upon the type of duck race. If the race is for a party your backyard or neighborhood pool is a good location. If you are holding a large event to raise money, you may need a large public water source.
- 2
  Contact your city or town officials in charge of giving permits for this type of event. Follow the proper paperwork and procedure required for gaining your permit.
- 3
  Form a committee to meet and work together to accomplish the race if it will be a large event. If you are planning a small party, consult a few family members or friends. Consider the weather in your area and the size of the event.
- 4
  Order the rubber ducks you estimate you will need. Set the date of the event.
- 5
  Advertise for the rubber duck race if it is a large race for fundraising in the local newspaper, on the radio and by putting up flyers and posters in local businesses, restaurants, pools and children's toy stores. Advertising for the duck race will bring in more traffic.
- 6
  Organize the area for the duck race. Set up a table to check people in, even if it a duck race for a small party. Place rubber duck-colored yellow streamers or balloons on the table.
- 7
  Charge each person per "duck" or per "flock." Collect money from individuals and give them their number. Write the number on the bottom of the duck with a waterproof pen. For small groups, write their names on a poster chart or notebook paper. For larger groups, give tickets corresponding to the numbers on the bottom of the duck.
- 8
  Place the ducks into the water location. For large water events, hold ducks back with pond netting or fishing nets so that the ducks can all be released at the same time. For larger events, ducks can be easily released at the same time. Alternatively, some duck races for smaller events include water shooters. The first individual to squirt their duck into a specific area wins.
- 9
  Catch the first ducks as they cross the finish line that you previously put in place, either with a streamer or line and balloon. The ticket-holder who has the number corresponding to that duck wins a prize.

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