The Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race was an annual event that brought excitement and community spirit to the city. Organized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, this unique fundraiser saw tens of thousands of brightly colored rubber ducks race down a designated waterway, with the first duck across the finish line winning a grand prize.

The Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race

I remember growing up always hearing about the rubber duck race and seeing on tv them dumpling all of ducks.

More Than Just a Race:

While the thrill of the race itself was undeniable, the event served a much greater purpose. Proceeds from duck adoptions directly benefited the vital programs and services offered by the Boys & Girls Clubs. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment for children and teens, offering after-school activities, academic support, and mentorship opportunities.

A Day of Family Fun:

The Rubber Duck Race wasn’t just about the ducks; it was a day of family fun for the entire community. The event typically included live music, food vendors, games, and other exciting activities for all ages. Spectators lined the banks of the waterway, cheering on their adopted ducks and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Impact on the Community:

The Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race played a crucial role in supporting the important work of the Boys & Girls Clubs. The funds raised through this event helped to ensure that children and teens in the community had access to valuable resources and opportunities to thrive.

The Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race was first held in 1989 and it was annually until it was deemed a lottery by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2005. This ruling temporarily halted the rubber duck race, but it was reinstated after Tennessee amended its constitution to allow lotteries with special exceptions.

The most recent Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race took place on Labor Day, September 4, 2012. It was a successful event, raising around $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Unsure why this was their last race of the beloved rubber ducks.

Unfortunately, the rubber duck race was discontinued in 2014. I am unsure why it ceased.

Do you remember the Great Knoxville Rubber Duck Race? If so, please share about it in the duckie comments below.

Rubber Duck Races

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Steve is a collector of rubber ducks. At SteveZ DuckZ, Steve will share off his rubber duck collection and share blog post relating to rubber ducks. If you love rubber ducks, please follow on social media or subscribe!