Frequently Asked Questions

How do my ducks get in the water?

Let’s Tag! A few days prior to our duck derby, volunteers from the community come together and place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that plans to be in our derby - which is a minimum of 15,000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7 digit number and ending with a 7 digit number.

For Example:
2458001-2498000

What is my tag number?

We can’t give you your tag number because we won’t know it until we run the Mix Report right before the derby. We want to make sure that no ducky is taking steroids and the derby is not fixed so numbers are never given out. However, rest assured that all of the ducks you have adopted will be in the water.

How does it work?

Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at a Duck Day Event or in a business is entered into what we call E-Quack, a database that stores all of the information. Next to your name in E-Quack is the number of ducks you have adopted. Right before the derby, the Duck Mix occurs. The tag range is entered into E-Quack and all the numbers are shuffled up. Then, E-Quack automatically assigns the number of ducks you have adopted next to Tag Numbers. Thus, if you adopted 5 ducks, your name will be placed next to 5 different Tag Numbers.

What time is the Duck Derby?

The ducks will enter the Smith River in Bassett, Virginia at approximately 3:45 PM.

How will I know if my duck wins?

The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge will contact you with the information you provided with your duck adoption.

Is my duck adoption tax deductible?

Yes. Duck adoption proceeds directly benefit Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge, a local charitable organization in Martinsville, Virginia.

Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?

Rubber ducks, silly!

Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?

No. After you adopt your duck, The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for the race day.

Do I need to be present to win?

No, the winner does not need to be present to win. We do hope you will join us for the festivities though!

Is there an admission fee for the Duck Race?

No, the Race is FREE to watch!

Can I adopt ducks on Derby Day?

If all of our 15,000 ducks have not been adopted as of Saturday morning, the remaining ducks will be available for adoption.

Who does the event benefit?

Proceeds from the Duck Race benefit The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge.