To the Editor:

The Great Pumpkin Race Committee of the Newtown Lions Club would like to thank the many people who helped to make our fifth Pumpkin Race a success (And there was no snow this year!)  Our entertainers were very special and we oohed and ahed over the performance of the Newtown Juggling and Circus Arts performance.  Not to be outdone was the Zumba dance performed by the Lathrop School of Dance.  Before they were through moving and shaking, a number of onlookers had joined the group. We also appreciate the wonderful fall arrangements created by the Newtown Town and Country Garden Club.  Twenty of their members contributed terrific works and all but three had sold  by the end of the day.  We also liked the face painting and other activities of the Newtown Youth and Family Services. And it is always good to have Mackenzie Page with us.  She was promoting her carved pumpkin display which is coming up shortly.  All the profits she earns from displaying the pumpkins will go to the Hole in the Wall Gang, Paul Newman's charity. Other high school students from the Leo Club and the Knights of Columbus' Squires also  help things run smoothly. And it was great having all those wagging tails around.  Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs and Freedom Guide Dogs wandered the area and got lots of hugs.

And what would we do without the medieval trebuchet created by Don Ramsey, Middle School shop teacher, and Mark Michaud, parent. Every year, except the snowstorm year, they have brought the trebuchet to us and instead of firing flaming arrows or boulders they have propelled pumpkins in the air to the admiration of the many onlookers. Another Middle school teacher, Arlene Spoonfeather, has guided her students in decorating pumpkins and they were proudly on display.  There were many more pumpkins that were submitted this year, making the committee very happy.  Judges Selectman Jim Gaston and Shirley Ferris had their hands full judging the many entries.  We thank them for their efforts. 

Back by popular demand was the Newtown Savings Bank Treasure Chest.  It was fun to see tots of all sizes scramble through bales of hay looking for that special prize.  And if your stomach growled while witnessing the races and taking part in the pumpkin bowling, pumpkin ring toss and bobbing for apples, there was plenty to eat.  Many started the day with free cider and doughnuts from Blue Jay Orchards.  Later perhaps they chose some of the delicious Ferris ice cream, also free. If they hungered for a little more, hot dogs, hamburgers and coffee were available from the Knights of Columbus at a minimum cost. 

To end our day the Lions Classic Mustang was raffled off.  From all accounts, the winner was thrilled.  We really appreciate all the participants and hope that we will see you next year for season six!

Sincerely,

Ryan Storms and Gordon Williams

Newtown Lions Club

P.O. Box 218, Newtown                    October 24, 2014