The Sertoma Duck Race festival is set to return to Ozark’s Finley River Park from June 18-20, marking its 25th year. According to organizer Bradley Jackson, Christian County’s eastern commissioner, the event has grown significantly since its inception.

Festival Activities

This year’s festival will feature a ‘full-blown carnival’ with over 120 craft vendors and about 30 food vendors. Other activities include a 5K ‘duck waddle’, hot air balloon display, beer garden, pie-eating contest, fireworks, and more. The festival’s focal point remains the rubber duck race on the Finley River, where participants can purchase racing ducks for a chance to win a new truck.

The event has become a tradition for many families, with an estimated 20,000 people attending each day in 2025 and raising over $100,000 for local charities. Jackson noted that the festival has continued to grow and improve each year, with new additions and changes made to enhance the experience.

Practical Information

Most activities are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20. Visitors can find a full festival itinerary online. Parking is available at Finley River Park, Ozark Career Center, Ozark Senior Center, and Ozark’s junior high and high school, with shuttle buses provided. The carnival will be open on June 18 from 5 to 10 p.m., June 19 from 5 to 11 p.m., and June 20 from noon to 10 p.m., with unlimited ride wristbands available for presale or in-person.

The Duck Race will take place on June 20 at 7 p.m., with rubber ducks available for adoption online or in-person starting at $10.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.