As the days count down to the main event, and the number of tickets dwindles, organizers of the Great Newtown Reunion are requesting anyone interested in attending the July 27 event, or anyone with a ticket reservation in progress to complete their purchases.

"Like with any event that is expected to draw in excess of 1,000, we need to know at least several days in advance the headcount to provide to our event support people," said event co-chair Wendy Lee Hewitt. "Right now we have several hundred reservations in progress, but we're getting closer to our capacity, and I want to be sure everyone who wants to attend gets a seat."

The event will run from 10 am to 10 pm. Vehicle parking will be provided at Newtown High School, where air-conditioned shuttles will run non-stop between the school and the Fairfield Hills campus.

All reunion attendees who bring up to 10 cans of food to the event, will receive a free raffle ticket for each can donated. The collected food will be donated to Newtown's F.A.I.T.H. Food Pantry in Sandy Hook.

A three-hour professionally catered luncheon buffet will begin at approximately noon.

“When the event gate opens at 10, folks may immediately enjoy iced tea and homemade lemonade.” she said. “Beer and wine will be available for purchase from noon until approximately 9:30 pm. Photo IDs will be required for purchase of alcoholic beverages.”

Designated drivers will be receive free bottled water and/or coffee all day.

A three-hour dinner buffet will commence at approximately 5 pm. Live musical entertainment will be presented throughout the day, with a few important moments set aside for invited guests to speak, including Governor Dannel Malloy, First Selectman Pat Llodra, and Alaska’s Lieutenant  Governor Mead Treadwell, a Newtown alumni.

Attendees may bring baked dessert items in to the reunion, but no other outside food or beverages are allowed per the Newtown health District.

“Think cookies, cakes, brownies, specialty breads, candy, Jell-O, or fruit,” Ms Hewitt said. “No ‘cream-based’ items such as custards, quiche, ice cream, etc.”

Those with special dietary requirements should notify the reunion team ahead of time if they need to bring in specially prepared items.

Anyone attending the Saturday event who is staying in the area for the weekend is invited to the Gathering of the Vibes festival in Bridgeport on Sunday, July 28 for free. It is family day and Newtown Day at the Vibes with music and special activities for all ages, and anyone presenting a reunion ticket will be admitted at no charge.

Also, any Newtown resident presenting a valid ID or utility bill showing they are from town will be admitted to the Vibes Sunday for free. Parking is extra.

For more information, or to link to reserve tickets visit: greatnewtownreunion.org.