Don't Just Spectate, Participate in Celebrate East Lyme!

Of all the events that make Celebrate East Lyme a truly memorable occasion, the sandcastle competition and the raft race are my personal favorites. This is good, old-fashioned, family fun that brings out the most adventurous, creative, and wacky side of everyone. 

The Sandcastle Competition happens at Hole in the Wall Beach and is a great event for children and families. It's organized by East Lyme's Parks & Recreation Department, and takes place Saturday morning.

It requires no preparation. Just bring buckets, spades, a little creativity, and water spray bottles. (The key to making a sandcastle is to keep it wet—and I speak from experience here!) 

If you'd like to participate, please contact Dave Putnam directly via email, dputnam@eltownhall.com to sign-up.

On The Niantic Bay, Paddling Like Crazy

If you've ever been inspired by Tom Sawyer, then you've probably dreamed of making your own raft. And if you have, now's your big chance. 

The East Lyme Parks & Recreation Department will be sponsoring the Great Niantic Bay Raft Race as part of the Celebrate East Lyme Day festivities on Saturday, July 20 at 6 p.m. 

Yes, I know, last year's entries—which included a Viking ship and a miniature version of the USS Constitution under full sail—are tough acts to follow. But don't forget there were students who entered a raft made entirely of recyclables too. (Okay, so that particular vessel sank because it turns out that aluminum cans and cardboard when wet isn't all that buoyant, but you never know until you try). 

So why not give it a try? There's no charge or entry fee for entering a raft in the race, so you've got nothing to lose. (And if you do sink, lifeguards are on hand to save you!)

Here are the rules: 

• Rafts must be homemade with no motors. Boats, kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, or any other commercial flotation device will not be allowed as part of your raft. 
• Teams are responsible for bringing their rafts to Hole in the Wall Beach on the night of Friday, July 15, for staging. Teams are also responsible for removing their rafts after the race. 
• For safety purposes, all team members must wear an appropriate life jacket and a 15-foot tow line must be attached to each raft. 
• The race itself will require the contestants to paddle their makeshift rafts 250 feet out around two buoys and back to shore. 
• All members of the team must race to the designated finish line on the beach to be declared the winner.