4-H Duck Race Raises Over $14,500 For Youth Programs

21st Annual Tompkins County 4-H Duck Race Raises Over $14,500 For Youth Programs

ITHACA, NY – Supporters flocked to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Tompkins County for the 21st 4-H Duck Race on Sunday, April 28. Local residents enjoyed games, refreshments and conversation with 4-H staff, youth and volunteers leading to the 2 p.m. duck drop at Cornell Botanic Gardens’ Cascadilla Gorge Trail, where community members watched with wonder as 3,000 yellow rubber ducks tumbled over the falls and floated along Cascadilla Creek in a race downstream to the finish line.

Those who purchased Duck Race chances cheered on their numbered ducks, and the Grand Prize winner went home with $500. Over 50 additional prizes donated by local businesses and individuals included bikes, a stay at a local inn, kitchen appliances, gift certificates and much more. A list of winners can be found at 4HDuckRace.com. Additionally, Tompkins County 4-H held a raffle for gift baskets representing the various departments within CCE Tompkins, including a chance to name a live duckling hatched by 4-H staff.

This year’s race was the first in-person 4-H Duck Race in four years and marked the 21st anniversary of the event. The day was made possible in large part by primary sponsors Cayuga Radio Group, Cayuga Health, New Delhi Diamond’s and Yoga Farm Ithaca.

All 3,000 rubber ducks were purchased, resulting in over $14,500 raised. These funds will support 4-H youth development programs all over Tompkins County in afterschool programs, clubs, summer camps, the 4-H Youth Fair and many other opportunities for young people. These programs served over 1,200 Tompkins County kids in 2023 and are growing in 2024. All staff and event organizers at CCE Tompkins express our gratitude to those who made this day a huge success for local youth.

Last updated June 24, 2024