The annual event held in Rapid City involves the release of numerous rubber ducks into a designated waterway. These ducks, often numbered and corresponding to purchased tickets, race downstream towards a finish line. The owners of the tickets matching the first ducks to cross the finish line are awarded prizes.
This community activity serves as a significant fundraiser for local charities and organizations. The generated revenue supports various initiatives, contributing to the well-being of the Rapid City community. Its historical roots can often be traced back to similar fundraising events held in other municipalities, adapted to the local landscape and community needs.