The Great Pumpkin Race

To the Editor:

The third annual Lions Club’s Great Pumpkin Race has come and gone. This year we were blessed with good weather, unlike last year when a snowstorm descended upon us. We had more decorated pumpkins to judge and more racers were run than last year so that was good. Adding to the festivities were the Lathrop School of Dance and the Newtown Juggling and Circus Arts Group who performed for us much to our enjoyment. And there was more food than other years. As usual, Blue Jay Orchards kindly supplied free cider and doughnuts, but this year the Knights of Columbus sold coffee, hot dogs, and hamburgers, as well

In addition to the decorating and racing contests this year the event boasted pumpkin bowling, a bean bag toss and ringers. Bruce Walczak’s grandson and the high school Leo Club helped out with these endeavors as well as with registration so we thank them. We also need to thank The Newtown Bee for its excellent coverage and the Newtown Savings Bank for burying many treasures in bales of hay which kept many small fry happily engaged.

We also appreciate Newtown Parks and Recreation who had a booth promoting their Park & Bark event as well as EverWonder, a group promoting a children’s museum, who challenged the youth with puzzles and things to do to keep their minds lively. Near their booth was the Town and Country Garden Club which had set up a table full of beautiful and Halloween-themed flower arrangements. They were really spectacular. These were sold and earned the club $200 which, some time later, they donated to the Lions Club’s charities. Those ladies are amazing.

We mustn’t forget the medieval trebuchet manned by Marc Michaud and his family and middle school teacher Don Ramsey, both of whom had constructed it. Periodically they fired pumpkins off into the woods to the delight of viewers. We also appreciate having so many pumpkins at our disposal, courtesy of Steve Paproski. And, as always, Tom Mahoney at the Edmond Town Hall was very supportive. He opened the town hall restrooms and lent us many tables and chairs which we needed.

Having our annual classic Mustang raffled off that day, added to the festivities!

So, all in all, it was a very good day with lots of helping hand. We look forward to many more Great Pumpkin Races in the future!

Sincerely,

Ryan Storms and Gordon Williams, chairmen

601B Heritage Village, Southbury                        November 6, 2012