The Riverfest Duck Race is a rite of summer in Monticello!

In the weeks leading up to Riverfest, watch for Duck Adoption booths at businesses in Monticello! For a suggested donation of $5 or more, you can adopt an official Riverfest Duck to compete in the annual Duck Race.

Traditionally, the Riverfest ducks (don’t worry - they are the little, yellow, plastic variety) are dumped off the Highway 25 Mississippi River Bridge for a quick float to Ellison Park where 30 lucky ducks win cash prizes. As the Mississippi River Bridge will be under construction during Riverfest 2024, the Duck Drop committee has arranged a creative alternative to turn this year’s Duck Race into the Duck SPLASH! This ducky competition involves Monticello’s Royal Ambassadors and the Community Center pool, and winners will be declared!

So be sure to adopt your Riverfest Ducks, support our community celebration, and try your chance at winning big!

You can check out all the Duck SPLASH details here.

Duck Prizes

$2,500 for 1st Place
$1,000 for 2nd Place through 6th Place
$100 for 7th Place through 29th Place
$100 for Last Place

Follow Monticello Riverfest on Facebook for Duck Adoption locations.