This story has been updated to reflect more coverage on The Great Pootatuck Duck Race and Town Festival, including names of prize winners.

The Newtown Lions Club hosted the 17th annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race on Saturday, May 27, from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Large crowds flocked to the free admissions event that took place in Sandy Hook Center and along its bustling waterway to enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment, food, and - of course - to watch the much anticipated duck race.

Newtown Lions Club member George Arfaras and his wife Irene welcomed attendees at the official ticket booth where many purchased their $5 yellow plastic duck that would be submitted in the race.

See sidebar for list of winners and prizes.

This year, winners of the top 20 ducks to swim across the finish line at the end of the race received $4,400 worth of grand prizes.

At 11 am, members of Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue and Newtown Hook & Ladder volunteer fire companies fought in a tug-of-war battle of brawn and bragging rights.

Newtown Lions Club member Bob Schmidt conducted the competition, ensuring the fire companies got a fair match, and Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue came out as victors, defeating Newtown Hook & Ladder in two consecutive rounds.

When the tug-of-war was over and the rope was laid down, 2-year-old Chase Dahlmeyer could not help but try to emulate his firefighter idols and participate, pulling the heavy rope by himself with all his might.

Special family-friendly performances throughout the day included Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance, Magic Marty and the Amazing Tony, Porco Karate Academy, and the Lathrop School of Dance.

Many local clubs and organizations set up booths at the festival, like Women Involved in Newtown (WIN) who sold duck-themed toys, necklaces, and hats; Bees Knees healthy ice pops that promotes bee awareness, who came down from Kent; and local Cub Scout Pack 270, who showcased their Raingutter Regatta for kids to have boat races.

Another main attraction at the event was the Newtown Lions Club's red 1968 Ford Mustang Convertible. Newtown Lions Club members Alan Jacobs, Mary Jo Brett, and Bill Brett helped sell $10 raffle tickets for the car's drawing in October.

When it was time for the race to begin, everyone watched as the front loader full of yellow, plastic ducks drove up along the bridge in Sandy Hook Center. When it poured out all the ducks into the water, thousands of ducks could be seen splashing along the current, zigzagging around rocks toward the finish line.

At the end of the event, when the winners had been selected, all the ducks were retrieved out of the water.

Proceeds made from the day's event will benefit various Newtown Lions Club charities.

To learn more about the Newtown Lions Club, visit newtownlions.com. New members are always welcome.

2017 Prize Winners For The Newtown Lions Club Duck Race

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[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]$2,000 Cash Prize: Barbara McCloskey of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]$500 Visa Gift Card for a Weekend Getaway: David Berliner of Newtown[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Three-month memberships to Porco Karate Academy ($450 value): Scott Poarch of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Apple Store gift card ($300 value): Chris Mignanelli of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Handmade Icelandic Lopi wool Afghan blanket and matching pillow ($300 value): Rick Stakel of Aldi, Va.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Farmhouse Restaurant ($100 value): Liz Purvis of Danbury[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Figs Restaurant ($100 value): Kim Calbo of Newtown[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to The Villa Restaurant ($100 value): Dr Depuy of Danbury[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Carminuccio's Restaurant ($100 value): Peter Hunt of Danbury[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift certificate to Berkshire Motors ($40 value) and gift certificate to Stone Garden Originals ($50 value): Heidi Biancardi of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to The Pizza Palace ($75 value): Griffin Brand of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]20 Edmond Town Hall Movie Passes ($60 value): Picerno family of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Tambascio's Restaurant ($50 value): Jillian Hoag of Newtown[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Sal & Pepe ($50 value): Gary Frey of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate for My Place Restaurant ($50 value): Virginia Donahue of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]One-year subscription to

The Bee ($45 value): Alan Brown of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Town Players of Newtown for two tickets to any show ($44 value): Liz Grauer of Bethel[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to Dere Street Restaurant ($25 value): Cheryl Lockwood of Sandy Hook[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift certificate to Blue Colony Diner ($25 value) and a gift certificate to P.J.'s Laundromat ($50 value): Mary Jo Brett of Newtown[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li style="text-align: left;"]Gift Certificate to The Toy Tree ($25 value) and a gift certificate to P.J.'s Laundromat ($50 value): Jillian Hoag of Newtown[/naviga:li]

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