NASHUA, NH – A week ago I spotted a much-larger-than-life-sized rubber ducky on Northeastern Boulevard as I left the office. Of course my investigative reporter instincts kicked in and so I circled back, parked my car, walked over to it and scanned the QR code, which invited me into the world of the Nashua Duck Derby.
If you don’t already know, this event, which is happening Oct. 12, is the rubber ducky race to end all rubber ducky races. And while there will be a winner ($2,500 is the top prize), it doesn’t matter who wins in that everyone who participates is already a community hero.
How so, you ask?
Well each and every duck “adopted” by participants will be numbered and entered into the chilly drink, aka the Nashua River, over at Millyard Technology Park. The goal is 10,000 ducks. (As of this writing they are 7,638 ducks shy of the goal).
Ducks are 5 bucks each or cheaper by the dozen (even cheaper by the flock).
Oh, and while you’re there rooting for your duck there will also be lots of food, fun and family-centric activities (read more on that in the Q&A below).
The event is organized by the Rotary Club of Nashua and proceeds from the event will go to lots of great local initiatives that serve the community by the following organizations:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH
- Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua
- Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence
- The Child Advocacy Center of Hillsborough County
- Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance
- Easterseals NH
- Front Door Agency, Inc.
- Gate City Community Coalition
- Gateways Community Services
- Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains
- The Greater Nashua Dental Connection
- Harbor Homes, Inc.
- Home Health & Hospice Care
- Humane Society for Greater Nashua
- Lamprey Health Care, Inc.
- Marguerite’s Place, Inc.
- Nashua Chamber Orchestra
- Nashua Children’s Home
- Nashua Prevention Coalition
- Nashua River Watershed
- Nashua Association for the Elderly, Inc.
- Nashua Special Olympics
- The PLUS Company, Inc.
- Rivier Institute for Senior Education – RISE
- St. Joseph Community Services, Inc.
- The Salvation Army
- Sinfonietta Strings Program/
- United Way of Greater Nashua
- Southern NH HIV/AIDS Task Force
- The Stork Project
- Symphony NH
- UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc.
- YMCA of Greater Nashua
- Youth Council
You can click below to adopt a single duck, a whole flock or some number in between.
Below: Some Frequently Asked Questions, and answers, from the organizers
How do my ducks get in the water?
A few days prior to the Nashua Duck Derby, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the Derby – which is 10,000! The tags are waterproof labels beginning with a 7 digit number and ending with a 7 digit number.
For Example:7458001-7463000
How does it work?
Everyone who adopts a duck, whether online, in the mail, at a Nashua Duck Derby booth or in 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 be in the water.
What if you have 9,000 Adopted Ducks but you have 10,000 Tagged Ducks?
If all our ducks have not been adopted by race day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt up to an hour prior to the Derby. 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 an hour before the race begins.
What time is the Nashua Duck Derby?
All kinds of family fun will start on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Millyard Technology Park, 10 Technology Way, Nashua, NH 03060, including Numerous Art classes, exhibits and demonstrations, enjoy local food, and music. The ducks will be launched down the water and begin racing at 2 p.m. The first 3 ducks through the finish line win the race!
How will I know if my duck wins?
The Rotary Club of Nashua 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, The Rotary Club of Nashua will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for Derby Day. After the Derby, 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. We do hope you will join us for the festivities though!
Is my duck adoption tax deductible?
Unfortunately, duck adoptions are not eligible for tax deduction. Please consult with your tax advisor.
Is there an admission fee for the Nashua Duck Derby?
No, the Derby is open to the public and is held at the Millyard Technology Park, 10 Technology Way, Nashua, NH 03060
Can I adopt ducks on Duck Race Day?
Ducks will be available for adoption Saturday until one hour prior to the start of the race at a booth set up at the Millyard Technology Park, 10 Technology Way, Nashua, NH 03060
How do I contact someone at the Rotary Club of Nashua if I have questions or issues that are not answered here?
Please contact us by emailing info@nashuaduckderby.com
Who does the Nashua Duck Derby benefit?
All funds we raise from our fundraising activities directly support over 40 local non-profit service organization, over 10 Post-High School educational scholarships, various regional projects, and international efforts for Pure Water and Polio Plus.
Other posts to check out:
Sept. 4: Office Hours with a New Hampshire Representative at the Nashua Public Library
Proposed resolution calls for ‘responsible oversight’ of U.S military aid to Israel in Gaza conflict, including money from Nashua taxpayers
With limited resources, Nashua’s Feed The Kids gets it done with their summertime meals program
Nashua Children’s Home celebrates new playground
F.E. Everett Turnpike project progress: Bridging Nashua’s Pennichuck Brook
McCarthy Middle School set to open Aug. 27 with layers of safety and energy-efficient features