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New York FFA’s Oswegatchie Camp in Croghan to Host
32nd Annual AdironDUCK Race and Pancake Breakfast
April 26th
Published: April 16, 2026 at
10:00 a.m.
By: Press Release
from Oswegatchie Educational Center
New York FFA’s Oswegatchie Camp to Host 32nd Annual AdironDUCK Race and Pancake Breakfast April 26th
Croghan, NY – On Sunday
April 26th, 2026, the Oswegatchie  Educational Center, 9340 Long Pond Rd.,
Croghan, NY will hold the 32nd Annual AdironDUCK
Race and Pancake Breakfast.
The day begins
with an “All You Can Eat” Pancake Breakfast, starting at 8 am until noon.
Breakfast will be served in Sentinel Hall.
The high point
will be the dumping of as many as 10,000 rubber ducks into the chilly
waters of the Oswegatchie River. The adopters of the first 15 ducks
crossing the gates will receive cash prizes including a $2,000 grand prize.
Ducks may be adopted on the day of the race. Ducks race at 1 PM.
Oswegatchie will
also be holding the annual “AdironDUCK 5K Trail
Run, Walk, or Ride” at 10 AM. Participants will travel around Long Pond on
a mixed trail system with everything from single track, dirt road, and
pavement. This is a self-timed event. Registration is $15 and includes a
free pancake breakfast.
The 2026 headline
entertainer is Wade Live bringing his comedic magician performance at 11 AM
in Getman Lodge.
Oswegatchie will
also have other venues for entertainment on the property, plus the
Adirondack Artisan’s Guild will be on exhibit. An ecumenical church service
is also available at 9:30 in Getman Lodge.
What began as a
creative solution to keep Oswegatchie FFA Camp afloat has grown into one of
New York’s most beloved spring traditions—and a powerful source of support
for FFA chapters statewide.
Since its humble
beginnings in the early 1990s, the Oswegatchie AdironDuck
Race has been “putting the FUN in fundraising.” The idea was first
introduced by the chair of the FFA Foundation Board after participating in
a similar event in Vermont. Seeking a sustainable way to generate much‑needed
cash flow, organizers paired the inaugural duck race with an existing maple
season pancake breakfast at Oswegatchie FFA Camp.
That first year
exceeded expectations. With the help of a small but determined group of
college‑aged summer staff, approximately 700 rubber ducks were
sold—boosting attendance at the pancake breakfast and setting the stage for
what would become an annual tradition. More than three decades later, the AdironDuck Race has surpassed even the most optimistic
early hopes.
As the 32nd
Annual Oswegatchie AdironDuck Race approaches
on Sunday, April 26, the event has evolved into far more than a
solution to a budget challenge. Today, it is a cornerstone fundraiser that
directly supports FFA chapters across New York State, while
continuing to make camp experiences accessible for students.
More than 50
percent of all proceeds from the AdironDuck
Race continue to fund the Oswegatchie campership program, helping ensure
students can attend leadership programs and retreats regardless of
financial circumstances. As Oswegatchie has grown into a stable, year‑round
leadership and retreat facility, expanded revenue from the race has allowed
for even greater investment in FFA chapter support.
Over the past
five years alone, more than $20,000 has been returned directly to
FFA chapters, providing flexible funding that chapters can use for any local need—from travel and supplies to
programming and events.
Today, every
duck sold can benefit one of more than 250 FFA chapters across
the state. The fundraiser’s simplicity is part of its success: no heavy or
perishable inventory, easy promotion through social media, and a clear
impact—50 percent of every $10 duck purchase goes directly to the
buyer’s chosen FFA chapter.
Participation
continues to grow. Average duck sales over the past three years have topped
4,500 ducks annually, with more than 4,500 additional ducks
currently available. If sold and credited to chapters, those ducks alone
could generate an additional $22,500 in support for FFA programs
statewide.
The AdironDuck Race takes place every year on the last
Sunday in April, drawing nearly 100 volunteers who prepare the
camp and bring the event to life. The day features something for everyone,
including a pancake breakfast, craft vendors, a magic show, face painting,
a petting zoo, local food trucks, and the highly anticipated moment when up
to 10,000 rubber ducks are released into the west branch of the
Oswegatchie River.
Community
members, alumni, families, and supporters are invited to join the fun on
Sunday, April 26, for a day that celebrates tradition, teamwork, and
the lasting impact of supporting FFA students across New York State.
For more
information or to purchase ducks, visit www.adironduckrace.com
The Oswegatchie
Educational Center is owned and operated by the New York State FFA
Foundation, Inc., which is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization. The
mission of the Oswegatchie Educational Center is to provide all people with
the opportunity to foster leadership development, environmental education,
and outdoor recreation in a quality experiential learning atmosphere.
Oswegatchie is open to all groups, organizations, and individuals.
Affiliation in the FFA is not required.
All proceeds from
this event benefit the Oswegatchie Summer Program Fund which provides youth
scholarships and funds for improvements to the summer program. If you
cannot attend but wish to adopt a duck, you can do so by visiting our
website at www.adironduckrace.com . For any other
information, call (315) 346-1222.
Come out for a
day of family fun & entertainment as we welcome Spring with a splash!
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