File photo QUACKING UP – Volunteers work to retrieve the ducks entered as part of the 2025 Wellsburg Kiwanis Duck Derby. This year's event is set for June 14, with activities to take place from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

WELLSBURG – Things are about to get ducky in Brooke County.

The 2026 Duck Derby will see hundreds of little yellow plastic ducks floating in the Ohio River June 14, with attendees also able to take part in a 5K race, enjoy a car show, food vendors and more.

“This is our fifth year of doing the Wellsburg Duck Derby,” said Eric Fithyan, president of the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club, which organizes the event.

Fithyan noted one of the club’s priorities is to provide mentorship and opportunity for area youth, with the derby originally organized to assist with the installation of a playground at Wellsburg’s E.R. Nichols First Ward Park. Proceeds from this year’s event are set to be put toward the development of a splash pad in the city.

Activities will begin at 2 p.m. with the 5K Duck Dash, with runners and walkers of all skill levels tracing a course through parts of Wellsburg’s downtown, including Main Street and the festival area. There is a $30 fee to take part in either the walk or run, with no fee for the kids race.

The car cruise is set for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring a variety of antique, classic, muscle cars and street rods, with a $15 registration fee.

“The unique thing about our 5K is that all the participants get a chance in the Duck Derby,” Fithyan said, noting the same holds true for those entering the car show.

The highlight of the day is the Duck Derby itself at 6 p.m.

Ducks can be “adopted” for a fee of $10, with all entries dropped into the river for a race to the finish line. The first five ducks to be plucked from the water will win cash or prizes.

“Typically, we do 1,200 ducks,” Fithyan said, adding they are on course to have more this year.

Prizes for this year’s derby will be $1,000 for first place; Domino’s Pizza once a week for a year for the second-place duck; $500 for third place; $250 worth of McDonald’s gift cards for fourth place; and $100 for fifth place.

A variety of food vendors also will be on hand from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Registration for the 5K and the car cruise, as well as sponsorship of a duck, can all be done online at wellsburgduckderby.com.

Fithyan noted that, to date, the event has received support from more than 65 area sponsors, providing approximately $56,000 through monetary and in-kind contributions, and the event currently is on track to bring in at least $40,000 in profit.

McGinnis Made serves as major sponsor for the festival.