The Leslie’s Lucky Ducky Derby of Arizona aims to grow this year’s participation from 20,000 to 40,000 ducks, while raising money to benefit charities and children in Arizona. The 24th annual duck race will take place from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, May 7 at the Scottsdale Waterfront. This year’s race includes family-friendly activities and vendors.
Ducks can be adopted at any of Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies‘ 53 Valley locations starting April 1 or online at lesliesluckyduckyderby.com. Ducks can be purchased for $5 each or in packages: five ducks for $20, 15 ducks for $50 or 30 ducks for $100. With each duck they adopt, participants are entered in a drawing to win $10,000.
Adopters are invited to cheer on their ducks as they are dumped into the canal and “paddle” toward the finish line. The official dump time is set for 1:30pm.
City of Scottsdale Parks & Recreation will host a Day of Fun in conjunction with the event from 11am to 2pm. Activities will include kid-oriented games, a photo booth, fingerprinting by Scottsdale Police Department, entertainment, food and more.
This year’s race benefits Arizona Children’s Charities, including Ronald McDonald House Charities, City of Hope, Run the World, Rotary International, Mountain View Family Church, Scottsdale Cares, The Phoenix Conservatory of Music, Big Brothers Big Sister of Central Arizona and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
