Watching the ducks tumble down the falls!

Image by Isa Goico

Ducks making their way down the falls after the drop.

Image by David Foote

Baby ducklings hatched in the office by Taylor from Urban Outreach.

Gwen demonstrating how to create friction fires to a family.

Image by David Foote

Gwen showing a family how to create friction fires at the Primitive Pursuits table.

Image by Isa Goico

One lone little ducky floating down the creek.

4-H Duck Race

2026 4-H Duck Race Planning in Progress!

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County is proud to announce that the 4-H Duck Race will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 11am-4pm. Join us to watch up to 3,000 bright yellow rubber ducks tumble over the Cascadilla Creek falls at the Cornell Botanic Gardens' Cascadilla Gorge Trail then bob down the creek in a frantic and fabulous race to the 4-H Education Center on Willow Avenue. Take a chance on a duck and win GREAT PRIZES if your duck is among the first to cross the finish line! Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and activities for kids all afternoon long, around the CCE-Tompkins Education Center at 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca. All proceeds support 4-H youth programs in Tompkins County!

Need not be present to win!

*Expanded family activities with new games, hands-on demos, and kid-friendly adventures

*A large artisan market showcasing talented local makers and small businesses

* Food trucks and delicious local vendors

*Live entertainment throughout the day to keep the energy high

*Animal encounters and interactive learning experiences

* Special anniversary surprises celebrating the 25th annual race

*And of course… the iconic drop of thousands of bright yellow ducks racing down Cascadilla Creek!

The Duck Race is one of our community’s most beloved traditions, and every duck chance purchased directly supports 4-H youth programs in Tompkins County—providing hands-on learning, outdoor education, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for young people.

We are so grateful for the incredible support shown at past Duck Races, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for an even more exciting, expanded, and joy-filled event in 2026.

Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and opportunities to get involved. Big things are on the way!

Are you a business that wants to sponsor the Duck Race?

Our success depends on sponsors like you!

Contact

Miranda Sundquist
4-H Senior Administrative Assistant
ms3425@cornell.edu
607-272-2292 ext. 261

Last updated February 27, 2026

4-H Duck Race

4-H Duck Race Rules

See the Ducks DROP!

Rubber ducks going over Cascadilla Falls in the 4-H Duck Race, 2008.

Next Race: Saturday, April 25, 2026

The 4-H Duck Race launch takes place at 2PM at Cornell Botanic Gardens' Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Enter the natural area at Tremen Triangle, located at the intersection of University Avenue and Linn Street in downtown Ithaca.

Thank you to our Duck Race Sponsors! We couldn't have this amazing event without you!

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor for 2026? Please fill out THIS FORM and we will reach out to you. We appreciate any support you're willing and able to sponsor.

If you'd like to see the different Sponsorship Levels and Benefits, please go HERE.

Shout out to our 2026 Duck Race sponsors so far: undefined