To the Editor:

The Newtown Lions Club is flying high with excitement! Why? The iconic Newtown Great Pootatuck Duck Race is returning on Labor Day [weekend], Saturday, September 4, in Sandy Hook Center. Canceled in 2020 and delayed from May to September in 2021 for pandemic safety, this popular Newtown event will be a 20th celebration of family fun and community renewal, running from 11 am to 3 pm. Required pandemic protocols will be in effect.

Thousands of rubber ducks will “dive” into the Pootatuck at 2:30 pm. Ticket holders for the first 20 ducks across the finish line will win prizes, including a $2,000 first prize.

Duck Race tickets are still just $5 per rubber duck and will be available starting in June at area businesses and www.newtownlions.org (click Duck Race, then Buy Tickets). The club is grateful to many area businesses for donating prizes and helping with ticket sales.

Beside free entertainment and activities, vendor displays are popular features. Spaces are available to nonprofits for $10 and businesses for $100.

In its 19 years, the Duck Race has raised over $200,000 for local charities. Although we most want this year’s event to be a fun community party for families and friends, funds raised will help many cash-strapped local charities.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 4, 11 am to 3 pm, and invite your out-of-town friends and family for this fun, classically “Newtown experience.” We’re Back! The Ducks are Back!

Bob Schmidt

Newtown Lions Club Duck Race Chair

11 Serenity Lane, Sandy Hook May 21, 2021