Lancaster, PA – August 25, 2026 – A Lancaster tradition nearly four decades in the making returns this September as the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development hosts its 38th Annual Duckie Race & Festival on Sunday, September 13, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 625 Community Way, Lancaster.

Presented by Lancaster Toyota and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, the free festival invites families to spend an afternoon enjoying activities, entertainment, food and inclusive races while helping Schreiber provide pediatric therapy services to children throughout central Pennsylvania.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Schreiber marks its 90th anniversary and celebrates generations of children, families and community members who have been part of its story.

Throughout the afternoon, Schreiber’s campus will be filled with activities for the whole family, including pony rides, carnival and lawn games, arts and crafts, balloon art and food trucks. Guests can check out classic British sports cars from the LANCO MG Club, visit the Lancaster Public Library’s On the Go mobile library and enjoy live music from The UnSinkables, Schreiber’s modern band featuring older teens and young adults of all abilities.

For children who need a break from the excitement, a sensory-friendly space will also be available during the festival.

The afternoon’s races are designed to give participants of different ages and abilities a chance to be part of the fun. Children ages 2–12 can take on the 100-meter Duckling Dash, while the one-mile Duckie Dash welcomes participants to run, walk or roll along an accessible paved course. Service animals are welcome, too.

Among those returning to the starting line is 5-year-old Tristin Mohr, one of Schreiber’s 2026 Ambassadors.

Tristin receives physical, occupational and speech therapy at Schreiber and recently graduated from Schreiber’s S.T.A.R.S. Preschool. At last year’s festival, he completed the Duckling Dash using his reverse walker as his family, therapists and fellow participants cheered him on. This September, he’ll be back to experience the event again, this time with another year of growth and accomplishments behind him.

“Every year, the Duckie Race & Festival reminds us what our community makes possible,” said James DeBord, President of the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development. “Seeing

children like Tristin participate alongside their families and friends is what this day is all about. It’s a celebration of their abilities and of the community that has stood behind Schreiber families for 90 years.”

Another longtime Duckie Race tradition gives supporters a way to make an impact even if they aren’t participating in a race. Community members can adopt rubber duckies before the festival or on event day for a chance to win a $2,500 grand prize.

Proceeds from duck adoptions, race registrations and other event fundraising help cover the gap between what it costs Schreiber to provide pediatric therapy and what Medicaid and commercial insurance reimburse. That support allows Schreiber to continue serving children regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.

Last year, hundreds of people joined Schreiber for the festival. This year, organizers hope to bring the community together once again for an afternoon of fun celebrating the people who have made Schreiber’s work possible for nine decades.

Community members can get involved by adopting duckies, registering for the Duckling Dash or Duckie Dash, creating a fundraising team, volunteering or simply bringing the family out to enjoy the festival.

To adopt duckies, register for a race, volunteer or learn more, visit schreiberpediatric.org/event/duckies

About the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is a nationally recognized nonprofit pediatric rehabilitation organization serving about 2,000 children each year through outpatient therapy, early childhood education, recreation, and family support programs. Because of generous community support, Schreiber never turns a child away due to a family's inability to pay. Learn more at schreiberpediatric.org.