Ducks for Dolly Returns to Support Early Literacy Along the Lakeshore
United Way of the Lakeshore partners with Michigan’s Adventure for a family-friendly fundraiser on August 7, benefitting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Muskegon and Oceana Counties, MI – United Way of the Lakeshore is partnering for the second year with Michigan’s Adventure to host Ducks for Dolly, a family-friendly rubber duck race benefitting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. The 2026 race will take place on Friday, August 7, at WildWater Adventure Waterpark and will also be livestreamed for those cheering from home.
Each adopted rubber duck helps deliver free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, sparking a love of reading and building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
“Ducks for Dolly is a joyful way our community comes together to support early literacy,” said Lisa Tyler, President & CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore. “Every duck adopted helps place books into the hands of local children and supports families in building daily reading habits that prepare kids for success in school and beyond.”
On race day, the adopted rubber ducks will launch down the Mammoth River water slide at 12:15pm. The first ducks to cross the finish line will win exciting prizes, including the grand prize of two 2027 season passes to Michigan’s Adventure. Additional prizes will be announced throughout the summer, giving participants even more chances to win. While attendance is optional, duck adopters will have access to discounted admission to Michigan’s Adventure on August 7 to enjoy the park and watch the race in person.
“Michigan’s Adventure is proud to continue this meaningful partnership with United Way of the Lakeshore,” said Carson Weingart, Park Manager at Michigan’s Adventure. “Ducks for Dolly brings families together for a day of fun while supporting a program that makes a lasting difference for young readers across our region.”
Ducks are on sale now through August 7. Community members can adopt a duck online at https://miadventure.enchantedparks.com/ with individual ducks and bundle options available for even more chances to win. Ducks may also be purchased in person with cash or check at the United Way of the Lakeshore office or at select community events where United Way is hosting a table. For all in-person purchases, a brief form is required to ensure accurate contact information for race results and prize notifications. Participants do not need to be present to win.
Every duck in the race helps ensure children across Muskegon and Oceana Counties continue receiving books each month at no cost to their families through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
For more information about United Way of the Lakeshore and how to get involved, visit unitedwaylakeshore.org.
For more information about Michigan’s Adventure, visit sixflags.com/miadventure.