For the fifth year, kids and parents counted “bunnies” along trails at Glander Field on the Fairfield Hills Campus on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, for this year’s Bunny Watch.

The Bunny Watch was a fundraiser for and organized by the Newtown High School’s senior Odyssey of the Mind Team, coached by Robin Fitzgerald. The event raised money for the group to attend World Finals, which will be held at Michigan State University May 20–23.

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 Bunny Watch, according to ride coordinator and organizer Rob Emmerthal, had 126 bunny-themed objects, including the Easter Bunny who visited with wagon riders, situated along the trails for participants to count while taking a ride on a wagon pulled by an antique tractor.

Along with the tractor-pulled wagon rides, this year’s Bunny Watch included relay races and games, face painting, and photo opportunities with props provided by Newtown Parks & Recreation.

“That was cool, Easter Bunny!” said Jack Langenus, who was seated next to his mother, Alison, and little brother Charlie, after meeting the Easter Bunny and getting a high-five on Friday.

As the ride continued through the trail, riders pointed out bunnies they saw posted alongside of the tractors’ routes.

“Look at this guy. He is hanging off the tree,” one rider said. Another said, “There’s one, Daddy!”

After taking their turn on a ride and meeting the Easter Bunny, some riders guessed their were 134, 131, and 128 bunnies along the trail.

Members of the NHS Odyssey of the Mind team Problem 5 are captain Zach Weiland, Jake Emmerthal, Hannah Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzgerald, Lily Holmes, and Michael Ziluck.

Assistance and antique tractors for the event come from Mr Emmerthal, George Birch, Milt Adams, Molly Emmerthal, and Kasey Roman. According to Mr Emmerthal, Silberman’s Farms provided wagons, and the Haas Insurance agency provided support.

While the weather was sometimes rainy on Friday and windy on Saturday, Mr Emmerthal said this year’s Bunny Watch was “a successful event,” and more than 500 people took their turn in a wagon during this year’s Bunny Watch over the two days.

More photos from this year’s Bunny Watch are available online in this week’s edition of The Bee’s photo galleries, located here.