On August 8, 2025, the Chicago River turned yellow as over 82,000 rubber ducks raced in the 20th annual Chicago Ducky Derby in a bid to raise nearly $600,000 for Special Olympics Illinois this year.
The day began with the Derby Festival at Pioneer Court, 401 North Michigan Avenue. From 10 AM to 2:30 PM, families enjoyed live music, food trucks, photo ops, and a dunk tank. It set the stage for the 1 PM duck drop.
For just a $10 donation, you can adopt a rubber duck to race in the river. Each duck gives you a chance at winning a Chevy Trailblazer, $2,500 in cash, or premium W Club Chicago Cubs tickets for
Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois, in a statement said: “Each donation supports Special Olympics Illinois programming, which creates opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection through sports, health, and leadership programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
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After the race, the ducks were carefully retrieved and stored for next year’s derby.
