Riverview Center’s 29th Annual Duck Derby Set for October 11th During Galena’s Country Fair

Riverview Center is hosting its 29th Annual Duck Derby set to take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026 during the final day of Galena’s Country Fair. The Fair is held in Grant Park and features

more than 100 artisans, food, live music and family activities throughout the weekend.

The Duck Derby has become an annual tradition in Galena and is a fundraiser to support Riverview Center’s free and confidential services for survivors of sexual violence in 16 counties in Northwest Illinois and Northeast Iowa, and for domestic violence survivors in 2 counties in Northwest Illinois.

It occurs at 3 p.m. and involves 4000 numbered rubber ducks being dropped into the Galena River to race. Those who have “adopted” the first four ducks to cross the finish line will win between $100 and $1000.

Gwen Bramlet-Hecker, Executive Director of Riverview Center, said, “The Duck Derby is one of those special events that brings so much joy to our community while making a meaningful difference for

survivors. We’re incredibly grateful to the businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who continue to make this tradition possible. Every duck adopted helps Riverview Center be there for survivors when they need us most.”

Heidi Zull, Director of Development and Public Relations, added, “There’s something pretty wonderful about watching thousands of little yellow ducks race down the Galena River and knowing that

every one of them represents community support. The Duck Derby is fun, but it also gives people a simple and meaningful way to make an impact. We hope families, visitors, and businesses will join us again this year and adopt a duck—or a whole flock—for a great cause.”

Sponsors for this year’s Duck Derby include ITC Midwest, HyVee, Renewal by Andersen, and Planted.

Duck adoptions are $5 each, or participants can adopt a flock of five ducks for $20. Ducks are available for adoption online at www.riverviewcenter.org/events or by contacting Riverview Center at 563-557-0310. Spectators are welcome to gather along the Galena River to watch the race, but winners do not need to be present to claim their prize.

About Riverview Center:

Riverview Center provides free, confidential services for survivors and their families, including crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, support groups, medical and legal advocacy, professional training, prevention education and community outreach. Riverview Center serves 16 counties across Iowa and Illinois.

Riverview Center 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Iowa Sexual Assault Hotline: 888-557-0310 Jo Daviess County, IL Sexual Assault Hotline: 815-777-8155 Jo Daviess County, IL Domestic Violence Hotline: 815-777-3680

Carroll County, IL Sexual Assault Hotline: 815-244-7772 Carroll County, IL Domestic Violence Hotline: 815-244-1320