About The Ducky Derby

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The Ducky Derby is the largest annual fundraiser sponsored by the local Rotary Clubs (morning club and Noon club) in Castle Rock. Your tax deductible donation provides funds for local, regional, and international projects that focus on youth, literacy, community and humanitarian needs.  Internationally, money is leveraged through matching grants to fund education, clean water projects, critical medical aid and the empowerment of people through small business development.

The first Ducky Derby in Castle Rock was held in 1997, following Dave Watts exposure to a similar race in Pottstown, PA, sponsored by the local Rotary Club.  Realizing that people are attracted to water, Dave felt that the event would be a huge success since Castle Rock has two small streams, East Plum Creek and Sellers Gulch Stream.  The goals of the  very first Ducky Derby were to draw attention to the undiscovered and underdeveloped streams in Castle Rock, to raise money for worthy humanitarian causes and to sow the seeds for an on-going annual community/family festival.

At the first Ducky Derby, only 500 rubber ducks floated down East Plum Creek to a finish line, where the winners were awarded a few prizes. Each year since that modest beginning, the Ducky Derby has grown to the point that it now is a recognized and highly anticipated annual event for Castle Rock and surrounding community event.  Last year's event was attended by 3,000 to 4,000 people from all over the area including visitors from out of state. Nearly 8,000 ducks participated in the event with over 250 prizes awarded to lucky winners.   ....and most importantly, over $30,000 net proceeds were rasied and awarded to local, regional and international beneficiaries and humanitarian causes. Click here to view and/or download a 2009 Summary Flyer or go to 2009 Ducky Derby for more information about last year's event.

The sponsoring Rotary Clubs for the Ducky Derby are the Rotary Club of Castle Rock (Morning Club)

and the High Noon Rotary Club (Noon Club) which are part of Rotary International, a humanitarian organization which embodies the spirit of "Service Above Self." Our donations from the Ducky Derby have truly helped make a difference in peoples' lives. For more information about Rotary go to About Rotary.