4-H Duck Race 1

Spectators line the banks of Cascadilla Gorge waiting for the Duck Drop.

4-H Duck Drop 3

Ducks make their way down the falls.

4-H Duck Race 5

"Mama Duck" greets visitors at the 4-H Duck Race!

4-H Duck Race

We expect the Duck Race to return in 2024! Information will be updated as it is confirmed.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County is proud to announce that the 4-H Duck Race  will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Noon. Join us to watch 3000 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 among the first 50 to cross the finish line! Enjoy refreshments, live music and entertainment, activities for kids all afternoon long, at the CCE-Tompkins Education Center at 615 Willow Avenue in Ithaca. All proceeds support 4-H youth programs in Tompkins County!

As we continue to navigate through unprecedented times we are adjusting and adapting.  We are planning to have the event in-person but will make adjustments if necessary. 

One duck chance is $5.00 or a flock of five ducks is $20.00. Each entry is assigned a number corresponding with the duck(s) prior to the event.

Your duck numbers will be available 10am, Sunday, October 3rd, on our website.

PRIZES: Top-finishing ducks win great prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. Grand Prize is $750 CASH “NEST EGG.” Other prizes include GoPro Hero Action Camera, Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones, Grill, KitchenAid Mixer, Gift Certificates to Local Businesses, Restaurants, and MORE!!!

We greatly appreciate your support in continuing this tradition by contributing to this extremely beneficial fund-raiser. All proceeds from the 4-H Duck Race will go directly into supporting 4-H youth development programs that have been helping to build career and life skills of youth across the county for over 75 years.

If you haven’t purchased duck chances yet you can still do so at www.4hduckrace.com

Last updated September 7, 2023