If you're lunching along the Chicago River on Thursday, August 9, don't be surprised when you see more than 50,000 rubber ducks plunge into the water from the Wabash Avenue Bridge. The spectacle marks the 13th annual Chicago Ducky Derby, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois. Festivities begin at 10am in front of the Wrigley Building (400 N Michigan Ave) and include family-friendly entertainment, live music and prizes. A truckload of cheerful yellow duckies will splash into the river at 1pm and float to the finish line.
Bystanders and supports can still adopt ducks for $5 each online and in person. Each duck is tagged with a number, and if your little guy wins the race, you could take home a 2018 Chevy Equinox, $2,500 in cash, an all-inclusive Mexican vacation or tickets to the NASCAR Cup Race. Up your chances and further support a good cause when you purchase a pack of ducks: Get six for $25, 24 for $100 or 240 for $1,000. Adoption proceeds benefit more than 40,000 Special Olympics athletes who compete in 18 sports across the state.
Unlike other not-so-nice things that are dumped into our waterways, the ducks are netted and pulled out of the river after the race so that they can be used again next year. Even if your ducky doesn't clear the finish line, this colorful annual display will surely put a smile on your face.