The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development is making a splash to celebrate its 90th anniversary. The center, at 625 Community Way, Lancaster, invites everyone in the community to attend the 38th annual Duckie Race & Festival from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The free, family-friendly festival will include activities, entertainment, food and inclusive races, all while supporting the nonprofit center's efforts to provide therapy services to children throughout central Pennsylvania.

Schreiber president James DeBord said this year's festival is especially meaningful as the center celebrates the generations of children, families and community members who have been part of its story over the past 90 years.

Highlights will include two races that are open to people of all abilities. The 100-meter Duckling Dash for children ages 2 to 12 will begin at 3:30 p.m. Participants in the 1-mile Duckie Dash, at 4 p.m., can run, walk or roll along an accessible paved course. Service animals also are welcome.

Tristin Mohr, one of Schreiber's 2026 Ambassadors, will be among those lining up for the Duckling Dash. Tristin, age 5, who has cerebral palsy, recently graduated from Schreiber's S.T.A.R.S. Preschool and receives physical, occupational and speech therapy at the center. His family, therapists and community members cheered him on as he completed last year's event using his reverse walker.

"Every year, the Duckie Race & Festival reminds us what our community makes possible," DeBord said. "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."

Community members will have an opportunity to support Schreiber by "adopting" rubber duckies throughout the festival. Each duckie purchased serves as an entry to a $2,500 grand prize giveaway, the winner of which will be announced after the festival concludes.

The UnSinkables, Schreiber's modern band featuring older teens and young adults of all abilities, will provide live music at the festival. The band's lineup includes 2026 Schreiber Ambassador Cora Hussar on drums.

Additional activities for the entire family will include pony rides, carnival and lawn games, arts and crafts, balloon art and food trucks. Community members also can check out the Lancaster Public Library's on-the-go mobile library and classic British sports cars from the Lanco MG Club. A sensory-friendly space will be available for children who need a break from the excitement.

Schreiber serves about 2,000 children each year through outpatient therapy, early childhood education, recreation and family support programs. Thanks to generous community support through events such as the festival, the center never turns away a child due to a family's inability to pay.

"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," DeBord said. "That support allows Schreiber to continue serving children regardless of their families' financial circumstances."

The Duckie Race & Festival is presented by Lancaster Toyota and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Community members may adopt duckies online in advance or on race day. Registration for the Duckie Dash and Duckling Dash will be available from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the day of the festival.

To adopt duckies, volunteer at the festival or learn more, visit schreiberpediatric.org/event/duckies.