RIDGWAY, Colo. (KREX) — On Thursday, the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (UWP) will organize its Uncompahgre Rubber Ducky Race from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at Rollans Park, situated at 257 Sherman Street. This event serves as a fundraiser to support UWP’s nonprofit activities.
Approximately 290 rubber ducks will drift down the Uncompahgre River as they compete to be the first five to reach the finish line. Participants whose ducks win the race will have the chance to claim prizes including an MTN lodge and Million Roadhouse Certificate for a two-night stay, a gift card from Mountain Waters Rafting for a half-day rafting adventure, REI Trail 25 backpacks, UTE Indian Museum family passes, and Ridgway RiverFest hats.
People can buy a spot in the race until midnight on Wednesday or until all the ducks are sold out. Additional details about entry prizes and how to purchase can be found atUWP’s website.
Initially planned to occur during Ridgway RiverFest in June, the Rubber Ducky Race was delayed because of increased water levels in the Uncompahgre River. The higher flows would have made it harder for staff to collect the ducks following the event.
Following the race, guests can go to Hartwell Park, situated at 201 Railroad St N, to enjoy live music as part of Ridgway’s Concert Series.
The UWP was established in 2007 following efforts by local groups and concerned individuals who sought a watershed-planning grant and officially became a nonprofit in 2013. In 2025, UWP added two new team members: Volunteer Coordinator Claire Barker and Hydrologist Virginia Weiskopf. The organization is dedicated to preserving the natural, scenic, and economic significance of the Upper Uncompahgre River Watershed, from its source to the northern boundary of Ouray County. Additional details about UWP are available atuncompahgrewatershed.org.
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