On August 16, 2017, hundreds of spectators lined the Riverwalk to watch nearly 1,500 ducks race down the DuPage River from the foot bridge near Centennial Park to the Eagle Street Bridge.
The 2nd Annual Riverwalk Duck Race was presented by First Community Financial Bank with a little help from friends at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and Pete Ellman with the trumpet call.
First Place ($1,981) – Jackie Boyd of Naperville
Second Place ($500) – Cathi Frendreiss of Lisle
Third Place  ($250) – Diane Galloway of Roselle
10 Winners / $36 Lucky Ducks: Terri Egan, Emily Dolory, Lisa Scordina, Kathy Schneider, Ann Montgomery, Anne Mortimer, Deb Garther, Suzy Geddes, Elizabeth Grace and Cindy Risvoid.
Simply put, the purpose of the annual event is to heighten awareness for the Riverwalk Foundation via an environmental initiative “Don’t feed the ducks, race them.”
After prizes are awarded, all proceeds benefit the Riverwalk Foundation for education and enhancements along the winding brick path of the city’s natural treasure in the heart of the central business district.
[shareprints gallery_id=”77054″ gallery_type=”squares” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”small” image_padding=”2″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”false” sharing=”true”]Thanks to all participants! Look for news of the 3rd Annual Duck Race at the same time next summer, right before school starts.
Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Oswego for the duck rental.
Photos by Jo Lundeen, Tim Penick, Arleen Bankemper and PN
Thanks for All Media Coverage in Print & Online
RELATED PN Posts / Â Use the search tool for “Riverwalk Duck Race”
Naperville Sun / Chicago Tribune Duck Race Story
Additional Comments
It was an exciting finish for 2nd and 3rd place. Â Both sides of the sidewalk were filled with spectators ready to watch the launch. Â Park District did a fantastic job setting up the net and also sweeping the river for stragglers. Sponsors came out and there was a fabulous picture opp for little kids. Â Back in the car 52 minutes after the ducks dove in. Â Fun event led by a great group of people!
I’m quackers about this fund (& friend) raiser.
—Karen Solomon, Riverwalk Foundation
I wanted to take a quack at the duck puns and use the opportunity to say thank you very much one more time before the happenings of the day run a fowl. : )
First Community Financial Bank demonstrates how fun, philanthropy, community, and its many great causes and organizations can come together to do some amazing things and Bridge Communities considers ourselves very privileged to be included as part of it today. It was another great race and thank you to you, the NCTV17 crew, Stephanie Penick (Riverwalk Foundation), the Naperville Park District, and the many others who helped make it all possible.
Have a fantasduck day and thank you again : )
—Chad Pedigo, Volunteer, Donor, & Manager, Special Events, Bridge Communities, Inc.
