September 14, 2022 – The annual Duck Derby is coming to the Children’s Museum of Illinois on Saturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The long-running family event is presented by Jerger Pediatric Dentistry and directly benefits the non-profit Children’s Museum.
The derby will see up to 5,000 numbered rubber ducks race in heats throughout the day down a water-propelled racetrack. The day’s winning duck takes home a $3,000 grand prize.
Additionally, three “Lucky Ducks” worth $200 are being drawn weekly on WSOY’s Byers & Company until the event. Winners will be drawn from all currently purchased ducks. Winning Lucky Ducks are still eligible to win at the races.
This will be new Executive Director Rikki Parker’s first Duck Derby. With the fresh face comes a refresh of the event itself, including a brand new track built by Mueller Water Products. The new track will include interactive elements for kids and a recirculation system so water is reused race to race.
“The entire event revolves around the racetrack,” says Parker. “Bringing the water experts at Mueller on board means the race experience itself will be better than ever.”
The event outside the museum features food trucks, a collection of big service trucks to explore, animal pals from Scovill Zoo, games, activities and more. Inside will be a museum-wide rubber duck hunt where kids can trade found ducks for prizes.
Guests can enjoy a dollar off general admission to the museum all day long, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Numbered rubber ducks are available to purchase starting at $10 apiece. Duck packages offer deep discounts and greater odds of winning. Ducks and event details are available at CMofIL.org, the museum itself (55 S Country Club Rd), or by calling 217-423-5437.
