Time To Prep Pumpkins For Racing
Are you a reality TV watcher? Do you enjoy unusual competitions? If your answer to either of these questions is Yes, then the Lions Clubs’ Sixth Annual Great Pumpkin Race is for you.
This year’s event will be held Saturday, October 17, between 10 am and 2 pm, behind Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.
The pumpkin racing is only one of a number of things to participate in or to view that day, including the pumpkin decorating contest and the raffle of the Lions classic 1966 Mustang convertible.
The first event of the day will be the pumpkin decorating contests. Pumpkins can be any size, and they will be judged in three categories: Funniest, Most Beautiful, and Scariest. They will be judged by age category: 8 and under, 9-12, 13-18.
“Last year’s events produced some really scary and beautiful pumpkins,” said Alan Jacobs, committee member. There were a few of the decorated or carved pumpkins that were mounted on wheels so that they could be entered in the later pumpkin races.
Pumpkins primed for the race may also be of any size, but they must be on four wheels and have axles that go through the body of the pumpkins — they cannot be on skateboards or skates. Races will be run in the same age categories as the decorating contest with the addition of an over 18 category.
In between races viewers can watch the trebuchet built by Newtown resident Mark Michaud and Newtown Middle School Technology Teacher Don Ramsey. Throughout the day they will periodically fire off pumpkins into the woods just as their medieval counterparts fired boulders at castles.
Visitors can also enjoy watching performances by students from Lathrop School of Dance, or participating in other events such as pumpkin bowling and bobbing for apples. The NHS Leo Club will be helping the Lions with these activities.
In addition, Newtown Savings Bank is sponsoring a Treasure Chest. Kids will enjoy pawing through piles of hay to unearth small treasures and wrapped candies.
And the Lions promise that people won’t go hungry either. Refreshments this year are being offered by Blue Jay Orchards, Ferris Acres Creamery, and Chick-Fil-A.
Spectators are welcome and there is no admission charge. There is a $5 registration fee for each event entered, however.
For further information call Gordon Williams at 203-405-6392 or visit newtownlions.com.