Ducks for Dolly

Adopt a Duck. Make a Splash for Early Literacy.

Ducks for Dolly is back for its second year, and we are ready to race for readers!

United Way of the Lakeshore is partnering with Michigan’s Adventure to host a family-friendly rubber duck race benefitting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Every duck adopted helps provide free, high-quality books to local children from birth to age five, building early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.

Adopt a Duck Today!

2026 Race Details

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Location: WildWater Adventure Waterpark at Michigan’s Adventure
Race Time: 12:15 PM

Livestream: Available for those cheering from home

You do not need to be present to win. Duck adopters will also have access to discounted admission to Michigan’s Adventure on race day if they would like to attend in person.

What is Ducks for Dolly?

Ducks for Dolly is a summer tradition that brings our community together for a fun and meaningful cause. Each adopted duck enters a race down the Mammoth River water slide at Michigan’s Adventure, helping provide free, high-quality books to young children across Muskegon and Oceana Counties.

Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children from birth to age five receive a new book each month, building home libraries and daily reading habits before kindergarten. While the program is free for families, it is powered locally by community support.

In Muskegon and Oceana Counties, United Way of the Lakeshore helps cover the cost of postage, enrollment, and program administration to ensure children continue receiving books each month. Support from Ducks for Dolly helps sustain this effort, keeping books in the hands of children and supporting their success in school and beyond.

HOW IT WORKS

  1. Adopt your ducks
    Choose one duck or a group of ducks

  2. Watch the race
    All ducks are released down the Mammoth River water slide

  3. Win prizes
    The first ducks to cross the finish line win prizes

Grand Prize: Two 2027 Season Passes to Michigan’s Adventure
Additional prizes will be announced throughout the summer

The race will be livestreamed, and winners do not need to be present.

ADOPT YOUR DUCKS

More ducks mean more chances to win and more books for children.

Single Duck – $5
Quack Pack – $20 (5 ducks)
Mighty Flock – $100 (30 ducks)

Ducks may also be purchased in person with cash or check at the United Way of the Lakeshore office or at select community events. A short form is required for all in-person purchases so winners can be contacted.

Adopt A Duck Now!

Sponsorship & Community Partners

Ducks for Dolly is powered by partners who believe in early literacy and showing up for local families.

Presenting Sponsor

We are proud to partner with Michigan’s Adventure as the presenting sponsor of Ducks for Dolly. Their support helps bring this event to life and expand its impact for children across Muskegon and Oceana Counties.

Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways for businesses and organizations to jump in and make a difference:

Become a Community Champion
Support the campaign through your organization and help lead the way in giving back

Sell Paper Ducks at Your Business
Invite your customers to participate by making a donation and adding their duck to your display

Donate a Prize
Help build excitement for race day by contributing prizes for our winning ducks

Adopt Ducks as a Team
Bring your staff together for a little friendly competition while supporting a great cause

Spread the Word
Share Ducks for Dolly with your employees, customers, and community

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Each duck adopted is assigned a number and entered into the race. On August 7, all ducks will be released down the Mammoth River water slide at Michigan’s Adventure. The first ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes.

  • No. You do not need to attend the event to win. The race will be livestreamed, and all winners will be contacted directly using the information provided at the time of purchase.

  • Winning ducks will be announced during the live race. Winners will also be notified by email or phone after the event. Be sure your contact information is accurate when adopting your ducks.

  • Duck sales open on May 15, 2026 and close on August 4, 2026. Ducks can sell out, so early adoption is encouraged.

  • Ducks can be adopted online through our secure platform. You can also adopt ducks in person with cash or check at the United Way of the Lakeshore office or at select community events.

    For in-person purchases, a short form is required so we can contact you if your duck wins.

  • Your duck adoption is considered a charitable contribution to United Way of the Lakeshore. Please consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.