Who does the Great Rubber Duck Splash benefit?
The Great Rubber Duck Splash is a signature fundraising event that benefits North Star Community Services, Inc. and helps in providing persons served with meaningful activities and opportunities that regular funding won’t allow.
How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck is entered into what we call the Quack-DB, a database that stores all of the information. Your name and contact info, plus the number of ducks you adopted is entered into the database. Then, the Quack-DB automatically assigns a random number that will correspond to Tag Numbers, which will be applied to each duck prior to race day. Basically, if you adopted 6 ducks, your name will be placed next to 6 randomly assigned Tag Numbers.
Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?
Rubber ducks…..but wouldn’t real ducks by cool (but messy)?!
When and where is the Great Rubber Duck Splash?
The event takes place on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at The Falls Aquatic Center on South Main Street, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The event is from 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the duck race taking place at approximately 10:00 a.m. There will be plenty of family-friendly fun and food for purchase.
How much does it cost?
Lone Duck (1 duck): $5
Six Quack (6 ducks): $25
Quacker’s Dozen (12 ducks): $50
Flock of Ducks (24 ducks): $100
Who can adopt a duck?
Anyone over age 18 may adopt a duck. A parent or guardian may adopt ducks for anyone under age 18 and must claim any prize on their behalf.
How do my ducks get in the water?
Let’s tag! Prior to the Great Rubber Duck Splash volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the race – which is 3,000! The tags are waterproof labels with numbers beginning with 1001 and corresponding with the number of ducks sold. The ducks begin their race from the bridge crossing the lazy river at The Falls Aquatic Center. The winners will be picked as soon as the first ducks cross the finish line!
What is my tag number?
Tag numbers are automatically and randomly assigned by computer. We want to make sure that no duck has an unfair advantage, so to ensure the integrity of the race, tag numbers are never given out. Rest assured, however, that all the ducks you have adopted will be in the water!
How will I know if my duck wins?
Come to the race! Just kidding. It will be a lot of fun, but actually, you do not have to be present to win. Prizes will be awarded to eligible entrants using the contact information you provided with your duck adoption, and whose entry number corresponds with the number on the first rubber ducks in order of finish. Winners who are not present will be notified by telephone or email with information provided. Winners will also be announced on the website and Facebook.
What happens to all the ducks after the race?
Once the ducks are dropped into the river and race to the finish, they are collected by volunteers and staff to ensure no duck is left behind! Once the ducks are collected, they are dried off and packed up until next year’s race.
Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?
No. After you adopt your duck, the Great Rubber Duck Splash team will work hard to train and coach your ducks to be sure each one is ready for the big race. Unfortunately, after the race they will fly back to North Star to be stored until next year. However, if you'd like to take a rubber duck home, you can purchase a souvenir duck at some Duck Sales Events throughout the summer and on race day.
Is my duck adoption tax-deductible?
Since the Great Rubber Duck Splash is a raffle, and considered to be gambling, your duck adoption is not tax-deductible. And remember that in the state of Iowa it is against the law to purchase duck adoptions using a credit card.
Since I can’t use my credit card to adopt ducks, how may I pay for them?
You may use your debit card! Cash, personal check, money order, bank/cashier’s check are other acceptable forms of payment.
Who should I contact if I have any questions or concerns not answered here?
Contact the Leader of the Quack at North Star Community Services, (319) 236-0901.