Those who attended the Newtown Labor Day Parade a few weeks ago probably noticed that members of Newtown Lions Club were carrying several banners. Front and center was one advertising the club's third annual Great Pumpkin Race.

This year's event will take place behind Edmond Town Hall, at 45 Main Street, from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday, October 20.

On that date, pumpkins on wheels will race speedily down the lower parking lot. Races will be arranged by age category from kindergartners to grandparents. Because a fair number of competitors are expected, run-off competitions are also planned.

(For those less mechanically inclined, the Lions will have a limited number of racers available for $15 each.)

Another competition, again judged by age category, will be for the pumpkins that are the Best Decorated, Funniest and Scariest.

Participants will be urged to keep their pumpkins and on October 27 or 28, take them to Mackenzie Page's home at 14 Main Street. Mackenzie is again sponsoring an enormous display of jack-o’-lanterns as a fundraiser.

Miss Page is again asking for a $5 donation to accompany each pumpkin, with all money earned to be shared between The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and the Page family's young friend Zoe, who is suffering from a rare disease that needs expensive treatment.

Meanwhile, the Lions Club will award prizes for winning pumpkin racers as well as the decorating contest.

And, as last year, the club will have a medieval-style trebuchet present ready to fire pumpkins into the field behind the former town hall building. Pumpkins supplied by Steve Paproski will periodically be fired off into the woods. This authentic trebuchet was designed by Newtown Middle School Industrial Arts Teacher Don Ramsey and his classes with Mark Machaud, the father of a former student, responsible for much of the building of the device.

In addition to the Lions, a number of community groups have also signed on to participate this year including EverWonder, the new group dedicated to bringing a children's museum to Newtown; and Park and Bark, a dog lovers group from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Also, John Wisnieff has promised to bring his Newtown Juggling & Circus Arts group to demonstrate the ancient art of juggling; Lathrop School of Dance students will perform in their usual lively fashion.  And during the festivities a medieval trebuchet will again be demonstrated.

Free cider and doughnuts provided by Blue Jay Orchards will be available, and the St Rose Knights of Columbus will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers.

October 20 will also be the day that the Lions' classic Mustang will be raffled off, so if you have bought tickets or still want to participate come down to see who wins. Tickets are $10 each and are available at a number of locations around town and Lions Club members.