If you have ever wondered what thousands of rubber ducks, a chairlift and a mountainside full of targets have in common, the answer is one of the Lake Sunapee Region’s more unique fall traditions.
The 10th Annual NH Duck Drop returns to Mount Sunapee Resort on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing together local businesses, families and community members for a day of fun that supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire.
What Is the NH Duck Drop?
The concept is simple and a little unusual: participants purchase numbered rubber ducks and take them along for a ride on the Sunapee Express chairlift. As the chair passes over targets created by participating sponsors, riders try to drop their ducks onto the targets below.
Each target represents a prize, so a well-timed duck drop could turn into a win.
The Duck Drop runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with winners and awards announced at 3:00 PM.
How Does the Duck Drop Work?
First, purchase your ducks before the event or at the mountain while supplies last. Then, take your ducks aboard the chairlift and get ready to aim.
Throughout the ride, sponsor targets are positioned below the lift. Drop your ducks as you pass overhead and try to land them on a target. Ducks that make it onto a target are entered for a chance to win the prize associated with that sponsor.
And the prizes are a big part of the fun. Local businesses throughout the region donate everything from gift certificates and outdoor gear to larger prizes and experiences.
A Fall Tradition With a Bigger Purpose
As entertaining as it is to watch rubber ducks rain down from a chairlift, the Duck Drop has a much bigger purpose.
Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central and Northern New Hampshire, which provides childcare, preschool, before-school and after-school programs, summer camps and recreation for children throughout the region.
Over its first nine years, the NH Duck Drop has raised more than $1 million to support local kids. Now in its 10th year, the event continues to bring together local businesses, residents and visitors in support of the organization and the families it serves.
O’Halloran Group's “Love Where You Live” Prize
We believe there is a lot to love about living in the Lake Sunapee Region, and this year our Duck Drop prize celebrates some of the local businesses that help make this community such a special place to call home.
Our “Love Where You Live” prize feature gift cards to local favorites throughout the region, including:
🌿 Yankee Farmer
📚 Morgan Hill Bookstore
🍽️ The Elms Restaurant
🍺 Flying Goose Brew Pub
🛍️ Artisans
☕ Blue Loon Bakery
🌱 Spring Ledge Farm
Come Say Hello!
If you are heading to Mount Sunapee for the Duck Drop, be sure to look for the O’Halloran Group tent.
Our team will be there throughout the event with some fun prizes of our own. Stop by, say hello and join in the fun. We always enjoy the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and meet more of the people who make the Lake Sunapee Region such a great community.
2026 NH Duck Drop Details
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Mount Sunapee Resort | Newbury, New Hampshire
Duck Drop: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Awards: 3:00 PM
Participants can purchase ducks in advance through the official NH Duck Drop website. Ducks may also be available at the event while supplies last.
An electronic waiver is required for participants, so be sure to review the current event information before heading to the mountain.
Make a Day of It at Mount Sunapee
The Duck Drop takes place during one of the best times of year to visit the Lake Sunapee Region. By mid-October, fall color is typically on full display, making the trip up the chairlift part of the experience.
Mount Sunapee's Fall Bash is also held in conjunction with the Duck Drop, giving visitors even more reason to spend the day at the mountain.
Making a weekend of it? Explore more of the season with our 2026 Fall Events in the Lake Sunapee Region and Best Apple Orchards guides.
Whether you come for the prizes, the foliage or simply to see how close your rubber duck can get to its target, the Duck Drop is a fun way to spend a fall day while supporting an organization that serves children and families throughout our communities.
And don't forget to stop by the O’Halloran Group tent while you're there. We hope to see you on the mountain!
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