The Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) is proud to announce the return of the RVA Duck Race & Festival of Inclusion, presented by CoStar, to Brown’s Island on August 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 8,000 attendees will join together to watch 18,000 rubber ducks float down the canal and race toward the finish line for the chance to win the $10,000 grand prize sponsored by fas mart® among other unique local prizes.
Now is the time to purchase Duck Entries for the race! Duck Entries are sold individually or in packages that include our 2024 commemorative duck and t-shirt. The last two years, we sold out prior to the day-of, so be sure to purchase early! Duck Entries can be purchased online at: www.rvaduckrace.org.
Each Duck Entry purchase is a chance to win incredible prizes, including a Grand Prize of $10,000 sponsored by fas mart, a VIP Experience with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, three-year memberships to the RVA WashClub, a VIP experience with the Richmond Kickers, gift cards ranging from $250 to $1,000, and more.
RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion Is August 3 on Brown’s Island
Save the date to join us on August 3 to watch your duck float to the finish line and participate in our beloved sensory-friendly festival, designed to include and accommodate individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. In addition to live performances, local food trucks, and live entertainment, dozens of local organizations will bring five different Festival of Inclusion zones to life during the 2024 event. See a list of all of the festival zones here. “Our goal is to create an event that not only features disability-inclusive activities and experiences for our families but also celebrates neurodiversity with our broader RVA community,” shares ASCV’s Executive Director, Ann Flippin.
Our Festival of Inclusion will feature unique elements to create the most sensory-friendly and accommodating experience possible, including signage for each booth to indicate the sensory level of each exhibitor experience on a scale from 1 to 5 and what senses the activity will engage (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste). In addition, the main stage will feature an interpreter to amplify the inclusiveness of the entire experience.
“Recently voted number 1 on CNN’s list of America’s Best Towns to Visit, Richmond is nationally recognized for its impressive art-scene and practically year-round lineup of festivals” says Flippin. “Ours provides families in our disability community with an opportunity to feel at home and enjoy a festival experience. At the same time, we welcome all members of the community to join us and see inclusion in action. We know these connections will have ripple effects throughout the community long after the event is over.”
The RVA Duck Race & Festival of Inclusion is one of ASCV’s signature annual events, raising critical funds toward our mission to support, empower, and build connections to improve the lives of all in our local autism community.
More Information:
For more than 40 years, the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) has been proud to serve as one of the region’s premier sources of education, advocacy, services, and support for individuals with autism, their families and friends, and professionals. ASCV’s mission is to support, empower, and build connections to improve the lives of all in our local autism community.
In March 2023, the CDC released new data showing that the prevalence rate of autism diagnoses has increased to 1 in 36 children. That makes Autism the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Here at the ASCV, we have witnessed an increase in demand for resources and services.
Learn more about ASCV at ascv.org Purchase Duck Entries for the event: rvaduckrace.org.
