PHOTOS: Aspen Rotary’s Ducky Derby flocks to Roaring Fork River for 32nd year
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
The 32nd annual Ducky Derby took place Saturday afternoon along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. Beginning at Herron Park, roughly 20,000 rubber ducks were dumped into the river, where they then raced to the finish line near Rio Grande Park.
Prior to the derby, people were able to “adopt” the ducks. Each duck was assigned a number, which was assigned to the buyer. The adopter of the first duck to cross the finish line won $10,000, and the chance to win $1 million. A variety of cash prizes were also awarded.
The derby is the largest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Aspen.
“Rotary has a high impact factor associated with our projects,” said Dr. Dan Perlman, a member of Aspen Rotary. “We thank everyone who came to the Ducky Derby.”
Money raised by Rotary goes toward numerous causes, both local and global, including to scholarships for Roaring Fork Valley students.
Update: The winners’ names were released Sunday. First place went to Bari Stahl; second place was Frank Nadell; third place was Richela Alger; and last place was Gregg Lafitte.
Photos by Austin Colbert for the Aspen Times.
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Around 20,000 rubber ducks begin their journey down the Roaring Fork River during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, with a finish line at Aspen’s Rio Grande Park.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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People look at the inflatable duck during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at Rio Grande Park in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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People watch as the ducks float along during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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A girl watches as the ducks float along during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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Children help wrangle the ducks after the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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Rubber ducks float toward the finish during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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A kid watches as the ducks float along during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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A lone rubber duck floats along during the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, along the Roaring Fork River in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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Around 20,000 rubber ducks are poured into the Roaring Fork River to begin the Rotary Club of Aspen’s 32nd annual Ducky Derby on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Aspen. (Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times)
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
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