When you think of pumpkins, do your thoughts go to delicious pumpkin pie? Or do you think of carving and putting a scary pumpkin on your front walk?

The Newtown Lions Club is encouraging everyone to start thinking about the club’s favorite use for pumpkins: turning them into pumpkin racers. The Fourth Annual Great Pumpkin Race will return to the parking lot behind Edmond Town Hall on Saturday, October 19. This year’s event will run from 10 am to 2 pm.

The pumpkin races will be arranged by age category, including one category for ages 18 and older. There will be heats and run offs. Children and parents are encouraged to make their own racers.

For those who are frustrated in the attempt or cannot find the time to do make one, racers built by Lions will also be available for $15.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in all events.

Before the races, the first event will be the decoration contest. Prizes will be given for the funniest pumpkin, the scariest pumpkin and the best decorated pumpkin. The decorated pumpkins will also be judged in age categories (8 and under, 9-12, and 13-18).

There is a $5 charge for each event entered.

There will be no need to go hungry while watching these events; there will be plenty to eat.

There will also be other things to do such as a pumpkin bowling contest, bobbing for apples, and a treasure hunt in bales of hay, sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank. There will also be community groups who will explaining  their missions or offering things for sale.

Another steller attraction will be the medieval trebuchet made by Middle School industrial arts teacher, Don Ramsey and his classes with town father, Mark Machaud. Pumpkins will periodically be fired off just as large stones were launched from similar machines in medieval times.

As an added event the drawing for the annual Lions Classic Mustang Raffle will be held at 1 pm in front of the town hall. This year the club is offering a light blue 1965 Ford Mustang convertible (blue top) with three-speed automatic transmission and 289 cubic inch V8 engine, with power steering and power brakes,and chrome sport wheels.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Lions Club members, at Amaral Motors on South Main Street in Newtown, and Berkshire Motors, 25 Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook. 

For additional information about The Great Pumpkin Races call 203-405-6392.