Each duck was “adopted” for $4 to $5 each, depending on quantity. Last year’s event raised more than $400,000. The money helps disabled athletes in Illinois train and compete.

With the Columbus Drive Bridge closed to traffic and the north leaf partially raised, a truck gingerly backed up to the edge of the south leaf. At 1 p.m., bright yellow toy ducks fell from the truck into the Chicago River.

(Right) Some of the toy ducks floating on the Chicago River. (Click on image to view larger version.)

The river current, aided by a water canon on the bow of a Department of Homeland Security boat, pushed the ducks down a large orange scoop and toward a finish line. A 2016 Chevy Malibu will be awarded to the sponsor of the winning duck.

Ducks that do not win are scooped up in bulk – by hand and net or by a river skimmer normally used to pick up debris.