Making a Splash at the Great Rubber Duck Race

Community Updates

Creative Cabinetry is proud to sponsor the Summit Foundation’s Great Rubber Duck Race on August 30th — a beloved tradition that brings the community together for a great cause.

Creative Cabinetry is proud to once again sponsor the Summit Foundation’s Great Rubber Duck Race on August 30th! This much-loved community tradition brings locals and visitors together every summer to support the Foundation’s incredible work across Summit County.

This year, we’re entering our very own sparkly ski duck in the Business Battle Duck race — bringing a little slope style flair to the Blue River. It’s all in good fun, and all for a great cause that strengthens our community.

Want to join the fun? Adopt a duck and make a splash with us! Every duck entered helps raise funds that go directly toward supporting local nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives.

The History of Breckenridge’s Great Rubber Duck Race

The Summit Foundation’s Great Rubber Duck Race first splashed onto the scene in 1987, transforming Breckenridge’s Blue River into a lively current of yellow ducks for a cause. What started as a lighthearted fundraiser quickly became one of Summit County’s most beloved annual traditions, drawing locals and visitors alike to line the Riverwalk and cheer on thousands of floating competitors.

From the very beginning, the event was about more than just fun. The Duck Race was designed to raise funds for community programs, scholarships, and nonprofits throughout Summit County. In the decades since, the race has generated tens of millions of dollars for causes that strengthen the local community — everything from youth development and education to housing initiatives and health services.

Over the years, the event has grown in both scale and spirit. Today, it features three distinct races:

  • The Kids Duck Dash – a family favorite that gives the youngest supporters a chance to join the fun.
  • The Business Battle Duck Race – where local companies compete with oversized or customized ducks to show off their creativity and community pride.
  • The Great Rubber Duck Race – the main event, with thousands of numbered ducks racing down the Blue River toward the finish line in downtown Breckenridge.

The race route typically runs through the heart of Breckenridge, allowing spectators to watch from bridges, pathways, and the Riverwalk Plaza. Volunteers are stationed along the river to guide ducks past obstacles, ensuring every entry has a fair shot at the finish.

By its 38th year in 2025, the Great Rubber Duck Race had raised more than $53 million for Summit County initiatives. What began as a quirky fundraiser has become a cornerstone community event — blending Breckenridge’s mining-town spirit, mountain-town creativity, and a commitment to giving back.

Each year, the race proves that something as simple as a rubber duck can create waves of impact, building community while keeping alive one of Breckenridge’s most joyful traditions.