The fourth annual Bunny Watch is underway near Glander Field on the Fairfield Hills campus Friday, April 18, from 10 am until 4 pm, and Saturday, April 19, 10 am until 4 pm.

This is the fourth year Newtown High School Odyssey of the Mind team members have gathered to offer the Bunny Watch as a fundraiser for the group to attend the World Finals of the problem-solving competition.

Odyssey of the Mind is the largest intellectual competition in the world. Teams of up to seven students select and solve one of five long-term problems that they present at the annual state competitions. The top 30 teams in each competing state then head to World Finals, where teams from more than 30 countries come together in the spirit of international competition. This year’s Odyssey of the Mind World Finals will be held at the end of May in Ames, Iowa.

A number of Newtown’s Odyssey of the Mind teams will be attending World Finals.

This year’s Bunny Watch is set for 10 am to 4 pm, Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19. It is once again being held on the Fairfield Hills campus, behind Glander Field. Rides will cost $5 per person and each participant will be given a tally sheet to “count” each bunny seen along the path.

Odyssey of the Mind team members who will be hosting the Bunny Watch this year are Zachary Weiland, Hannah Fitzgerald, Sydney Chiarito, Jesse Sailer, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jacob Emmerthal. The team is additionally coached by Shannon Mulligan, and Jana Emmerthal.

Parent Robert Emmerthal, who has helped with previous Bunny Watches, said he will again be assisting with providing the hay rides and the tractors for the rides. He also said he has friends who will be offering tractors for the rides.

Mr Emmerthal explained each Bunny Watch participant is given a tally sheet and pencil to “count” the items and bunnies they see along the ride, which last approximately 15 minutes. The $5 fee per rider is payable by cash or check. Mr Emmerthal also said the hay wagons, which are donated for use by a local farmer, used for the Bunny Watch are pulled by antique tractors, also locally owned and operated.

Other Easter-themed activities will be provided during the Bunny Watch, according to Mr Emmerthal. An inflatable slide and refreshments will also be available during this year’s event.