Thousands of yellow ducks floated down the St. Marys River on Saturday, but behind the fun was a serious mission: helping families and preventing child abuse.

Ducks, Cheers, and a Bigger Purpose

It wasn’t just about rubber ducks.

On Saturday morning, Fort Wayne’s Promenade Park was buzzing — music from the speakers, kids painting faces, and the smell of kettle corn in the air. But the real stars? About 20,000 plastic ducks bobbing along the St. Marys River in the 37th annual Weigand Construction Duck Race.

The cause behind it all? The Iris Family Support Center, a local nonprofit committed to protecting children from abuse and neglect.

One Ticket, One Duck, One Chance at $5,000

Participants bought tickets in advance — each one tied to a numbered duck. Once the ducks were released, the race was on. Spectators leaned over railings, shouting numbers, laughing, and hoping theirs would drift into first.

Five winners took home prizes. The first-place finisher netted a hefty $5,000. Second through fifth? Smaller cash awards, but still a big deal for a $5 duck.

Even those who didn’t win cash walked away with smiles.

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That’s the magic of the Duck Race — no one really loses.

A Fun Day Out With Deeper Impact

This year’s event wasn’t just about entertainment. It raised critical funding for the Iris Family Support Center, which offers:

• Child abuse prevention education

• Family counseling services

• Crisis intervention programs

• Community outreach and training sessions

Every duck, every dollar, supports local families in need.

“We’re here to have fun, but we never forget what this is about,” said one volunteer. “Every single plastic duck represents hope.”

Not Just a Race — A Community Festival

The race itself was just the centerpiece.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Promenade Park transformed into a family-friendly fairground. Kids enjoyed bounce houses and bubble stations, while parents relaxed to live music or browsed the food trucks. There were art tables, vendor stalls, and even a few local mascots dancing with toddlers.

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People lingered long after the last duck crossed the finish line.

It wasn’t just a fundraiser. It felt like a celebration of Fort Wayne itself — of generosity, of resilience, and of people showing up for one another.

Iris Family Support Center: Quietly Changing Lives

Founded with a bold mission — to eliminate child abuse — the Iris Family Support Center operates year-round.

They don’t always make headlines. But they’re there, behind closed doors and quiet phone calls, when families are in crisis.

In 2024 alone, Iris provided:

• 5,400 hours of parenting classes

• 2,200 counseling sessions

• Support for over 600 families in Northeast Indiana

Here’s a quick look at how their work has scaled in recent years:

One duck race a year might not seem like much. But for Iris, it makes a world of difference.

Community Shows Up — Rain or Shine

Weather threatened early in the day, but by race time, skies had cleared. The crowd came anyway — families, teachers, small business owners, high school students.

One mom, there with her three kids, said it was their fourth year attending. “We love it. The kids cheer for their duck like it’s the Olympics.”

Another couple had no children — they just came to support Iris. “We know what they do matters,” they said. “And this is the least we can do.”

A Local Tradition Still Going Strong After 37 Years

Some events fade with time. Not this one.

Started nearly four decades ago as a small community effort, the Duck Race has grown into one of Fort Wayne’s most beloved summer traditions.

It’s colorful. It’s quirky. And it’s deeply meaningful.

As the final ducks were scooped from the river and volunteers started cleaning up, you could still hear laughter in the air.

Because while the race lasts just minutes, the support it generates lasts all year.