The Great Sutter Creek Duck Race

Description

The Great Sutter Creek Duck Race is back on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Minnie Provis Park on the scenic banks of Sutter Creek, bringing with it a beloved, family-friendly tradition that has delighted the community since 1987. After a nearly fifteen-year hiatus, the iconic Duck Races were joyfully revived in spring 2025 by a small group of dedicated volunteers, with generous support from the Sutter Creek Community Benefit Foundation and a significant contribution of racing ducks from the Native Sons of the Golden West, Amador Parlor 17. The 2025 revival honored the original spirit of the event, preserving its classic format, style, community-focused atmosphere, and even honoring the pricing of the 1980s and 1990s. The return was a tremendous success, reaffirming the Duck Race as a cherished Sutter Creek tradition. What to Expect This year’s event will feature 5,000 rubber ducks racing down Sutter Creek toward the finish line, with their adoptive “parents” competing for more than $5,000 in cash prizes. Local non-profit organizations will line the ballfield with booths offering food, drinks, demonstrations, crafts, kids’ games and activities, and valuable information and resources for the community. Families can enjoy a full day of entertainment in the park, including live music, concessions, a duck tank, bounce house, and more. Who It Helps The Great Sutter Creek Duck Race serves the community in three meaningful ways: ● Providing a welcoming, family-friendly venue where residents and visitors can gather and celebrate the spirit of Sutter Creek ● Offering local non-profits a platform to connect with the community ● Raising funds for impactful local projects The 2025 Duck Race’s major beneficiary was the community pool at Amador High School, where funds supported the addition of shade and seating, the installation of a new diving board, and the creation of a vibrant mural featuring Sutter Creek by local student and professional artists. Duck Race proceeds also sponsored a free Concert in the Park and contributed to the Sutter Creek Fire Station Garden Project. The 2026 major beneficiary will be the Monteverde Store Museum in downtown Sutter Creek. Critical structural repairs to the roof and walls are urgently needed to preserve this treasured piece of local history. How to Participate Adopt a Duck! Each racing duck is numbered and corresponds with its adopter. First, second, and third place ducks from qualifying heats and the final race win cash prizes. Duck adoptions ($5/duck or $20 for a team of five) are available online at https://suttercreekfoundation.org/ or in person at the Sutter Creek Visitors’ Center, Monteverde Store, Knights Foundry or AMADOR COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE! You do not need to be present to win—but you should be!