The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development will host its 37th annual Rubber Duckie Race & Festival on Sunday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 625 Community Way, Lancaster. The tradition blends family fun, local food, and community spirit with the mission to raise funds so local children with disabilities and developmental delays can continue receiving life-changing therapies, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The festival will feature pony rides, arts and crafts, carnival games, and live music from a DJ. Food vendors will include Cupcakes by Casey, Scoops Ice Cream & Grille, Walk-O Taco, and Mad Chef Craft Brewing. Vendor booths from Aetna, Lancaster AMBUCS, PA Lions, PaperPie, and Penn State Health will be on-site.

Adopting a duck is the community's entry into the grand prize giveaway of $2,500 cash, with additional prizes including $500 cash, a Kitchen Kettle Village gourmet basket, and family fun packages. Winners will be announced at http://www.schreiberpediatric.org on Monday, Sept. 8. Every duck adoption directly supports Schreiber's ability to provide care, helping cover the gap between insurance and cost of care so no child is turned away due to financial constraints.

Among this year's racers is 9-year-old Gavin Mitstifer, one of Schreiber's 2025 ambassadors and the winner of last year's Duckie Dash with his dad, Greg. Over the past year, Gavin has been preparing to defend his title, and in his physical therapy, he has been practicing with his walker and strengthening his muscles.

Last year's festival had more than 600 attendees, more than 200 racers, and more than 5,000 duck adoptions, and Schreiber is aiming for even higher numbers this year.

Community members can join by adopting duckies for the prize drawing; registering to race in the Duckling Dash or Duckie Dash, including the new corporate team division and Duckie Cup; or volunteering on event day. To adopt a duck, register, or learn more, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/event/duckies.