Overview

• More than 75,000 rubber ducks were adopted at $10 each and dropped from the Columbus Drive Bridge during the annual August fundraiser.
• The event generated nearly $400,000 to support sports, health and leadership programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Special Olympics athlete Zach Coppel served as this year’s ambassador, leading the morning festival and pulling the winning duck.
• Derby Festival attractions at Pioneer Court included games, food trucks, live music and photo opportunities for thousands of participants.
• Organizers recovered every duck from the Chicago River to prevent pollution and stored them for use in the 2026 derby.