What began in 2004 as a creative way to fund-raise for United Rehabilitation Services has grown into one of Dayton’s most beloved annual traditions. The URS Rubber Duck Regatta brings together families, businesses, and community partners every September to do one simple, joyful thing: race 20,000 rubber ducks down the Great Miami River for a great cause.
Over the years, the Regatta has weathered everything, including a global pandemic. When COVID-19 made gathering impossible, we got creative. In 2020 and 2021 we took the race virtual, hosting socially-distanced Duck Drops at the Dixie Twin Drive-In so the community could still cheer their ducks to victory from the safety of their cars. Resilient, scrappy, and a little bit silly: that’s what this event has always been about.
In 2023, the Regatta returned to its rightful home at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton, where it now happens every September alongside the Hispanic Heritage Festival put on by PACO Dayton. The combined event draws thousands of visitors and creates a true community celebration of culture, family, and giving back.
Every duck adopted is a chance to win a prize. Every duck adopted also helps a child like JaKiya learn, grow, and reach her full potential.
Today, in our 23rd year, the Regatta is presented by AES Ohio and supported by dozens of generous sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and friends. Together we’ve raised millions of dollars to support URS programs that serve more than 1,100 children and adults with disabilities every single year.
