Assistance League of Carlsbad Celebrates 37th Annual Ducky Affair

The Assistance League of Carlsbad will host its 37th Annual Ducky Affair on Saturday, June 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carlsbad Water Park. The family-friendly event supports programs that benefit local children and families.

Activities begin at 5 p.m. with sales of remaining duck tickets, children’s games, and vendor booths outside the water park entrance.

Ducky Affair is a key fundraiser supporting three high school scholarships, Assault Survivor Kits (ASK), and Operation School Bell®, the organization’s largest program. Through Operation School Bell®, children in need receive clothing, shoes, a jacket, a hygiene kit, and a new book. The program is expected to serve about 1,000 students in July 2026 before the new school year.

Chair Roxann Haugen and Co-Chair Andrea Ruiz begin planning each January, coordinating with the City of Carlsbad, securing locations and approvals, and recruiting sponsors. This year, 23 sponsors support the event through sponsorship levels ranging from Bronze ($200) to Premium ($10,000).

Since the first duck race in 1989, led by Alisa Ogden, tickets have remained $5 each. The organization sells 3,000 tickets annually, with each ticket matched to a numbered rubber duck. Tickets are sold by members at community events and local businesses, including La Tienda Grocery Store, Sarah Grace Boutique, and Que Suave. Assistance League member Edward Calderon is this year’s top ticket seller.

On event day, members place 3,000 ducks in the water park pool and conduct a random drawing. The first duck drawn wins the $1,500 Grand Prize, the second “Pokey Paddler” duck wins $500, and five additional ducks win $100 each.

Longtime supporter Jeff Gordon will return as master of ceremonies, providing music and announcing winning duck numbers.

The Assistance League of Carlsbad invites the community to attend and help support programs that serve local students and families year-round.