Wildwood Bringing Back Popular Rubber Duck Race With New Beach Party Fundraiser

WILDWOOD — One of The Wildwoods' favorite summer traditions is making a comeback with a new twist.

The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced the inaugural Pig Dog Regatta & Beach Party, a family-friendly fundraiser that revives the community's longtime Rubber Ducky Race while adding an evening beach celebration.

The event will take place Friday, Aug. 21, at Morey's Piers' Raging Waters Water Park, where organizers will release up to 3,000 numbered rubber ducks into the park's lazy river for a race that benefits educational programs throughout The Wildwoods.

For many longtime residents and visitors, the annual Rubber Ducky Race was once a summer tradition that combined family fun with charitable giving. Organizers hope the new event will recapture that excitement while creating a new signature fundraiser for the community.

"This brings back one of The Wildwoods' most beloved traditions," said Tracey DuFault, president of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. "We thought there was no better place to bring back the excitement of a duck race while creating a fun new fundraising tradition for families visiting The Wildwoods."

Each participant's numbered raffle ticket corresponds to one of the rubber ducks released into the lazy river. The first 25 ducks to cross the finish line will determine the winning ticket holders.

Prizes include gift baskets from local businesses, a television, a beach cruiser bicycle, Cape May Day Spa gift cards, Morey's Piers ride and water park passes, with additional prizes expected to be announced before race day.

Raffle tickets are $10 each and include a souvenir rubber duck to keep after the event. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold.

Tickets will be available throughout the summer at participating local businesses, community events and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce office. Proceeds will benefit the Chamber Foundation's educational initiatives supporting local businesses and children in The Wildwoods.

"The business community is the backbone of The Wildwoods, and education remains one of the most important investments we can make in our future," DuFault said. "The Pig Dog Regatta and Beach Party brings together local businesses, visitors, families and community partners for a fun-filled event that directly supports programs designed to educate, develop and strengthen our local workforce and business community."

Following the race, participants are invited to continue the festivities at Pig Dog Beach Bar, where the official beach party will feature food and drink specials, live entertainment, beachside fire pits and conclude with The Wildwoods' weekly Friday Night Fireworks display over the beach at 10 p.m.

Kyle Morey, director of marketing for Morey's Piers, said the event reflects the amusement park's long-standing commitment to creating memorable experiences while supporting the local community.

"From watching the ducks race around the lazy river to enjoying live music, great food and the atmosphere at Pig Dog, it captures the energy and excitement guests experience throughout the summer," Morey said. "We're proud to partner with the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help support educational programs and community initiatives that strengthen The Wildwoods."

Organizers are encouraging participants to purchase their ducks early, noting that only 3,000 entries will be available for this year's inaugural event.

For a complete list of ticket locations and additional event information, visit the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce website.