The little rubber ducks bobbing like corks in the current drew more attention than the fancy moves made by Porco’s Karate Academy students at last Saturday’s 6th Annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race. Michael Porco, both Jr and Sr, drove their backhoe around the block where the Red Brick Tavern sits, and spilled 3,000 ducks into the water in front of hundreds of children and adults with crossed fingers. Those who adopted a duck shouted encouragement to the current to pull their rubber duck to the finish line first.

Some of us, including the Doherty brothers, Joseph and Patrick, who enjoyed a frozen ice, could handle the heat, but others among us fled fast for the shade. If 6-month-old Henry Terifay could have a say he would have asked his mother Lisa to stand under an umbrella. But Henry and many other residents came out for the refreshments, entertainment, and anticipation while waiting to learn which little duck would paddle across the finish line first.

Fifty-nine of those ducks brought smiles to winners of raffle prizes. Congratulations to top prizewinner Martha Friar who can now ride her Cub Cadet tractor at leisure. Winning second prize, which includes a trip to NYC with certificates for dinner and a hotel stay, is Steven Carr. The third place prize goes to Ian Humber, whose duck won him a coveted X-box 360.

Receiving lots of attention that day were the dogs. Like liquor storeowner and Lions Duck Race Committee Chairman Matt DeAngelis said, “We’re a great place to be a dog.” Proceeds, more than an estimated $10,000, will go the Canine Advocates of Newtown where Virginia Jess is reaching without “paws” for her goal of $500,000 for a new dog pound. That pound will accommodate cats too, although I hope never to spend the night there.

Mae Schmidle heard that The Bee is getting ready to repaint its 103-year-old offices on Church Hill Road, and the Doyenne of Scarlet called us to say that the building better stay red, otherwise she won’t be renewing her subscription.

The Newtown-Sandy Hook Vintage Base Ball Team may not have a win yet this season, but it sure has hit a homer with its other summertime venture. The team is marketing old-fashioned soda pop and three styles of coffee — Morning Crank, Strikers Pitch, and Hurler’s Choice — at the General Store. I especially like the soda flavors: Sarsaparilla, Orange Dry, Lime, Dead Red (red cream), and Pink Lemonade. The team will also have the soda and coffee available during home games, the first of which is scheduled for June 11, as well as away games when it does not conflict with already-established concessions stands. Proceeds from the sales will help the team with equipment, uniforms, umpire fees, and other expenses. If the General Store is sold out when you go looking for these beverages, don’t worry. A new shipment is scheduled to come in on Monday.

There’s nothing us cats like better than chasing a ball around, and apparently that is true of my two-footed friends, as well. The First Annual Alumni Lacrosse Games are scheduled for June 17 at the Blue and Gold Stadium at Newtown High School. The girls’ and boys’ high school lacrosse teams are geared up to take on anyone and everyone who has ever played the game of lacrosse. Teams are registering now at www.newtownboyslax.com.

Newtown Forest Association will begin its monthly hike series this weekend, combining its monthly hikes with Connecticut Trail Day ’06, a statewide effort that Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating between more than 125 organizations. NFA’s event will be a two-hour hike at Holcombe Wildlife Preserve and Memorial Trail on Great Hill Road. Hikers should arrive by 10 am and be prepared for a moderate hike. The full hike will take participants through hay fields, into woods, back into hay fields, onto an elevated vernal pool, and then to the top of Holcombe Hill. Those who aren’t ready for the full hike can take a optional, shorter route back to the parking lot. Ironically, this weekend’s hike is the hardest one scheduled for NFA’s monthly series this summer. The remaining hikes — coming up on July 15, August 19, September 16, and October 14 and 21 — are rated easy or easy-plus. Want more info? Visit NFA’s website, NewtownForestAssociation.org.

What goes around, comes around. Marilyn Burr Ober was the belle of the ball at her prom 55 years ago. Now her granddaughter, Mary Grace Ober, carries on the tradition. Mary Grace was crowned prom queen at the May 19 event at Villa Bianca. Looks like Garry, Mary’s dad and Marilyn’s son, is bookended by beauty.

Speaking of which, it’s time for me to catch up on my beauty sleep, but I’ll be back next week, so be sure to…

Read me again.