How do my ducks get into the race?
Let’s Tag! A few days prior to the Wabash Valley Rubber Duck Regatta, volunteers will place waterproof numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the Derby - which is at least 15,000!
How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck through the mail or at a sponsoring 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. 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 is my tag number?
Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no duck is taking steroids and the race is not fixed, so to ensure the integrity of the race, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all of the ducks you have adopted will race.
What if you have 14,000 Adopted Ducks but you have 15,000 Tagged Ducks?
If all our ducks have not been adopted by Race Day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt up to 30 minutes prior to the Regatta. Their names will be placed at random into the mix, next to a number that does not already have a name by it. Anyone can adopt until 30 minutes before the race begins, as long as the Regatta is not sold out.
What time is the Wabash Valley Rubber Duck Regatta?
Ducks will be released at 7:00pm. If due to weather, unsafe water conditions or COVID-19 concerns we cannot run the race, a winner will be drawn at random.
How will I know if my duck wins?
Catholic Charities will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption. You do not need to be present to win.
Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks, silly!
Who can adopt a duck?
Anyone! However, you must be at least 18 years old to adopt a duck.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No. After you adopt your duck, Catholic Charities will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for Race Day. After the Regatta, all of the ducks will fly off to their next race somewhere in the U.S.
Do I need to be present to win?
No, the winner does not need to be present to win.
Can I adopt ducks on the Regatta Day?
If all of our 15,000 ducks have not been adopted as of July 3rd, the remaining ducks will be available for adoption on July 4th until 30 minutes prior to the start of the race at a booth set up at Fairbanks Park.
How do I contact someone at the Catholic Charities if I have questions or issues that are not answered here?
Please contact us by emailing jtames@ccthin.org with any questions you may have about our Duck Regatta or by calling 812-232-1447, Option 3.
Who does the Wabash Valley Rubber Duck Regatta benefit?
All proceeds from the Wabash Valley Rubber Duck Regatta benefit Catholic Charities, a 501(c)(3) charity, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve the poor, the homeless, the elderly, the neglected children and the needy in the Wabash Valley. Please visit us on our website: http://www.ccthin.org.