A few fortunate adoptive parents of some 10,000-plus rubber ducks may win some serious cash when a floating fleet of brightly colored, sunglass-wearing fowl fill the Hillsborough River for a special fundraising event presented by the Tampa Kiwanis Club.
The 2018 Annual Kiwanis Tampa Incredible Duck Race marks the release of cute creatures for a race to the finish line starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa.
It’s a crowded field of competition, to say the least. Last year when the event debuted, organizers hoped to host 5,000 ducks. Instead, some 7,400 ducks were released and nearly $20,000 raised. Expectations are that a new record will be set at this year's event.
Simply by shelling out five bucks to sponsor a duck, anyone can claim a contender and compete.
There are even teams that set a certain number of ducks to sponsor and work together to reach that common goal. Or, if you want to buy in bulk, choose from five ducks for $20, 12 for $50 or be a big spender and spring for 25 for a cool $100.
This year the number of yellow hopefuls could swell to 10,000 and that is no lame duck goal.
It’s all for a good cause and a good time that features free admission, food trucks, entertainment and children’s activities at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
In addition to having a lot of fun, participants may win cash prizes. Whoever’s duck takes first place title will take home $5,000. Second place is a still respectable $1,000 and third place nets a not-too-shabby $500.
You don’t have to be present to win, after all the ducks can’t hear you hollering for them, but how could you miss this?
All proceeds are used by the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation which supports many Tampa area children’s programs and charities. Past projects include building ramps for the disabled, holding immunization events, purchasing holiday gifts for kids in need and providing scholarships.
The Incredible Duck Race is presented by CenterState Bank and various other sponsors. To purchase a duck, contact the Kiwanis Club of Tampa.
Want to find other fun events coming up throughout Tampa Bay? Simply register at 813area or 727area. It's easy and free!
