To celebrate family and the community, the Deep River Merchant’s Association in conjunction with the town’s Parks & Recreation Department have once again planned a fun family day for Saturday, Sept. 15. Starting with a morning road race and ending the evening with fireworks, the day is packed with events for all ages.

Family Day traditionally kicks off with the annual 5K run, however this year some things will be a little different. The official name of the run has been changed to recognize Deep River’s heritage and history; the run is now called the “Fife and Drum Run” and it will include runners being serenaded by the Deep River Fife & Drum Corps at Devitt Field, the Town Hall and the Deep River Landing.

The one-mile run will take off at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m.

“The name change is something fun and different and it honors part of the town’s history, so I think it’s great,” said Deep River Parks & Recreation Director Carol Jones.

In addition to the run, the downtown area of Deep River once again will be transformed and bustling with a variety of family fun events including the bounce houses at Deep River Elementary School; stores offering goodies, prizes, and special discounts; and the famed Pet Parade.

Always a crowd favorite, the Pet Parade draws dogs (and possibly other pets) of all shapes and sizes adorned in a wide variety of costumes and uniforms.

As the day progresses, the party moves to Plattwood park. There will be music by DJ Mike Prodoti sponsored by the Deep River Lion’s Club from 6 to 9 p.m. and Lion’s Club will sell hot dogs and hamburgers to raise money for its scholarship programs, all of which help to benefit the Deep River community. The Plattwood Park Snack Shack will also be open selling drinks, ice cream, candy, and glow sticks.

The day of fun will culminate with fireworks lighting up the night sky over the park.

“This is a wonderful family event that gets friends, family, and neighbors all together to celebrate the town and the community,” said Jones. “Whelan Engineering Company and Haynes Materials are always kind and generous to sponsor the fireworks and we are so grateful for such a great event.”

People are encouraged to come out early to Plattwood and picnic and enjoy the music before the fireworks. This year, there will be additional parking at John Winthrop Middle School; buses will bring people down to the park for the celebration.

For more information on Deep River Family Day, visit the Deep River Merchants website www.deeprivermerchants.com. Pre-registration is $20 for the 5K roadrace and $5 for the 1 mile run until Monday, Sept. 3, after which the cost to register goes up by $5.