Location
Independence, Oregon, 97351
About this event
The annual Duck Derby returns to the Willamette River on July 3 at 4:00 PM as part of Independence Days 2026 Celebration! Watch hundreds of giant rubber ducks are launched from the River Road Bridge and race through the rapids—it’s a one-of-a-kind Independence tradition. Cheer on your duck as as they all approach the finish line! Cash prizes go to the top 4 finishers!
Ducks are $15 each and are on sale now at the Friends of Community Parks’ Farmers Market ticket sales booth (May 2, 9, 17, 30, June 7, 13, 16, 20) or online -- through June 30 or until all ducks are assigned. This year for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 250 ducks will be available! Reserve yours soon!
Come cheer on the flock and see if your duck takes the lead!
Winners will share a total cash prize of $1,000 -- To celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we will award $250 to each of the top 4 finishers!!
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The top winners are determined as they pass the finish line.
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You are not required to be present to win, but we encourage you to watch from the riverfront as the ducks cross the finish line!
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The ducks will be dropped from the Independence Bridge just after 4:00pm on July 3rd and all are expected to cross the finish line and be retrieved before 4:30pm. They fastest ducks will likely cross in under 10 minutes!
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Each duck registration is $15 - the top four finishers will each receive $250.
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The total number of ducks in this years race will be 250!
Please see our Meeting and Events Calendar for details on Farmers Market ticket sales booth dates, times and locations: https://www.friendsofcommunityparks.org/about-us
