Simsbury's Tootin' Hills School to Host Lucky Duck Race

On your mark. Get set. Go!

On Friday, Tootin’ Hills School of West Simsbury will host its inaugural Lucky Duck Race at the historic Drake Hill Flower Bridge on Old Bridge Road, just off the intersection of Drake Hill Road and Hopmeadow Road in the center of town.

It is positioned perfectly over the Farmington River which will serve as the day’s racetrack for thousands of rubber ducks.

Race times are 4:30 p.m. for the business ducks and 5:15 p.m. for the Lucky Duck race. Winners do not need to be present to win.

Tickets are being sold now and will continue the day of the event until race time - or they sell out. Each raffle ticket is $5 and buys the purchaser the rights to the number on a specific duck – hopefully a lucky duck. Ticket packages are also available, providing more “ducks for the bucks” or more chances to win one of the prizes.

Many local businesses are also getting involved by purchasing 10-inch business ducks for a sponsorship rate of $100. It’s a chance for them to advertise their goods and services in the business duck race as well as mingle with the public. Businesses are encouraged to decorate their duck to speak for their business or personal style. The business race winner will receive a golden duck trophy. Business owners do not have to be from Simsbury to participate.

The winner of the Lucky Duck race will receive a one-night stay at the Mayflower Inn in Washington, Connecticut (a $650 value). Second place will receive four Disney World Park Hopper tickets (a $550 value), third place will win $250, and fourth place will win $100.

“For many years we have had the tradition of hosting fun events on our school campus located in West Simsbury. But, this year, we decided to step into the center of the town so we could partake in and contribute to the heart of Simsbury,” Tootin’ Hills Principal Kevin Cazzetta said in a prepared statement. “I am so proud of my students, why not showcase them and their school spirit for everyone to enjoy?!”

The Tootin’ Hills Duck Race will also offer music, food, free games for children, and a touch-a-truck hosted by the Simsbury Fire Department, as well as a silent auction that will award the highest bidders with gift baskets filled with valuable items. One sports-themed basket will include a baseball autographed by Red Sox legend Curt Schilling.

“The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved this new event at our April 13th meeting. We have much to offer both residents and out-of-towners. Events like these only help to highlight the community life that makes Simsbury so special,” said Simsbury’s First Selectman Lisa Heavner in a prepared statement.

For more information on the event or where to purchase tickets, visit www.tootinhillspto.blogspot.com or e-mail tootinducks@gmail.com.