Have you ever witnessed the spectacle of 6,000 rubber ducks gracefully floating down the Lazy River at Zoombezi Bay? If you haven’t, here’s your chance to experience it at one of the most fun summer events. The Zoom Duck Derby, presented by Medical Mutual, is set to take place on Sunday, July 14, 2024. This thrilling race will see 6,000 rubber ducks competing down the Lazy River, all in support of a great cause.

And that’s not all – the first three ducks to cross the finish line will win cash prizes of up to $1,500!

The Zoom Duck Derby is not just a super fun event for the entire family; it also serves a meaningful purpose. All proceeds from this event directly benefit The Alpha Group, a 501(c)(3) charity and nonprofit organization that has become one of the largest providers of services to individuals with ABILITIES in Delaware County, as well as extending help to people living in thirteen surrounding counties. By adopting a duck, you will be supporting essential programs such as Workforce Development, Integrated Adult Day, Supportive Living, and Transportation provided by The Alpha Group. (TIN# 31-0810220). For more information, please visit their Website or Facebook page for more information.

There are two ways to get involved – adopt a duck or purchase a waddle pass.

The first option is to adopt a duck or even a flock of ducks. Prices range from $5 to $100, and there are 6,000 ducks available for adoption. On Sunday, July 14th, all 6,000 ducks will be released into the Lazy River at Zoombezi Bay and race to the finish line. Exciting cash prizes await the winning ducks, ranging from $500 to $1,500! The best part is that you do not need to be present to win. The organizers will contact all the winners using the information provided during online registration and also make announcements on social media.

Join Team Eat Play CBUS and adopt your duck(s) here.

“Adopting a duck is a fun way to support The Alpha Group. While participants can watch from home, we’re excited to give the option of joining us in person! Guests will enjoy the park 90 minutes before it opens to the public, plus kids can enjoy special games and win small prizes,” said Liz Owens, CEO of The Alpha Group.

The second option – purchasing the ULTIMATE waddles pass and joining in on all of the fun on Sunday, July 14th at Zoombezi Bay. For just $30, you get (1) duck derby entry, admission to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium + Zoombezi Bay, FREE parking, 90 minutes of fun on select waterslides before the park opens to the public + a day filled with fun in the sun! This is the ULTIMATE summer day!

You can purchase your waddle pass here. Keep in mind children age 3 and under are FREE.

Note: Passes will not be mailed or emailed prior to the event day. Passes must be picked up at Zoombezi Bay by 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 14. 

Not only will you support a great cause and see 6,000 ducks head down the lazy river, there are a tons of fun stations for kids!

Things to Know

How do my ducks get in the water?

Let’s Tag! A few days prior to the ZOOM DUCK DERBY, volunteers will place numbered tags on the bottom of every duck that will be in the Derby – which is 5,000! 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 an Alpha Duck Race 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 5,000 Adopted Ducks but you have 6,000 Tagged Ducks?

If all our ducks have not been adopted by race day, it means that a lucky adopter can still adopt ducks up until 7:59 a.m. the day of the race. 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 7:59 a.m. before the race begins, as long as the duck race is not sold out.

What time is the ZOOM DUCK DERBY?

Zoom Duck Derby will start on Sunday July 14, 2023 at 8:30 am at Zoombezi Bay. The first ducks to ZOOM across the finish line win prizes! Winners will be announced at the end of the race.

How will I know if my duck wins?

The Alpha Group will contact you using the information you provided with your duck adoption.

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! Purchase your Waddles Pass $30 and enjoy select slides and the wave-pool before the park opens to the public. Click here to learn more.

Are they real ducks or rubber ducks?

Rubber ducks, silly!

Who can adopt a duck?

Anyone in the country who is 18 years of age or older. If someone adopts a duck under a child’s name and the child wins a prize, then the prize will be given to the child’s parent or guardian.

Once I adopt a duck, do I get to keep it?

No. After you adopt your duck, The Alpha Group will work hard to train, coach, and make sure each one is ready for race day. After the race, all of the ducks will fly off to their next race somewhere in the US.

Is my duck adoption tax deductible?

Unfortunately, duck adoptions are not eligible for tax deduction. Please consult with your tax advisor. To make a tax deductible donation visit, www.alphagroup.net.

Is there an admission fee for the ZOOM DUCK DERBY?

Yes, guests will need to purchase a Waddles Pass for $30 per person (kids ages 3 and under are free), grants full admission to The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium & Zoombezi Bay all day, free parking, one duck entry, early access to select slides and the wave-pool, and admission to the Fun in the Sun Zone (games and prizes for kids)!

Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Holders can get in free with their membership. Columbus Zoo Members will need to purchase a waterpark pass.

Can I adopt ducks on Duck Race Day?

If all of our 6,000 ducks have not been adopted by July 13th EOD, the remaining ducks will be available for adoption on Sunday online only until one hour prior to the start of the race.

How do I contact someone at The Alpha Group if I have questions or issues that are not answered here?

Please contact us by emailing chelsieholmes@alphagroup.net or calling (740) 368-5810.

Who benefits from the ZOOM DUCK DERBY?

All proceeds benefit The Alpha Group, a 501(c)(3) charity, a nonprofit organization which has grown to be one of the largest providers of service to individuals with ABILITIES in Delaware County and now extends help to people living in (13) thirteen surrounding counties. Your duck adoptions will support Workforce Development, Integrated Adult Day, Supportive Living and dTransportation provided by The Alpha Group. (TIN# 31-0810220). Please visit our Website for more information.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can fill out this form and someone will contact you.

I hope to see you there!!