More than 50,000 rubber ducks dumped into Chicago River

For the 10th year in a row, thousands of rubber ducks were ceremoniously dumped into the Chicago River.

It wasn't a freak accident either. The stunt was for a good cause. Specifically, the annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby benefited the Special Olympics of Illinois. Participants could adopt one of the yellow duckies for $5 or an entire "quack" (five) for $25. The most generous donors were also able to purchase them by the hundreds. 

Today at about 1pm one of the coolest charity raffles took place when more than 50,000 rubber ducks (yes, the kind you find in the tub) were poured off the Columbus Street bridge into the river below. The ducks were propelled forward by the current and the wake of passing boats and aided along the course by volunteers.

The sponsors of rubber duckies that first crossed the finish line won a 2015 Chevy Trax, a seven-night vacation to Cancun, Mexico and other prizes.

And yes, of course, the ducks were picked up when the race was over.

Watch the ducks take the plunge.

 

A photo posted by Special Olympics Illinois (@specialolympicsillinois) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:29am PDT

 

A video posted by DPayne (@paynesworld92) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:19am PDT

 

A video posted by Amber (@ambam1987) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:10am PDT

 

A photo posted by George Vasels (@gvasels90) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:08am PDT

 

A photo posted by Magaly de la Garza (@mdelagar) on Aug 6, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

 

A photo posted by Caity (@caitybuck) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:22am PDT

 

A photo posted by Alyssa G. (@imaestro88) on Aug 6, 2015 at 11:13am PDT

The @SO_Illinois #ChiDuckyDerby as seen from the Wrigley Building. Proud to support such a great cause! pic.twitter.com/XZd0M5oR1E

— Harlan Sports Mgmt (@HarlanSports) August 6, 2015