WESTPORT–Jesup Green will host two annual events on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

jUNe Day: the 61st annual jUNe Day celebration will feature up to 300 guests from the United Nations. In honor of the day, the flags of many of the 193 UN member countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Bridge over the Saugatuck River.

Duck Race: Raffle tickets are now available online and from members of Westport Sunrise Rotary for the annual Great Duck Race, a free community event that raises funds to improve the well-being and quality of life of people with special needs.

jUNe Day

The public is invited by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNASWCT) and the Town of Westport  to attend the opening ceremony and welcome our international guests outdoors on Jesup Green, near The Westport Library at 20 Jesup Green, at 10:30 a.m.  First Selectman Kevin Christie and UNA President Bill Hass will welcome the guests, and jUNe Day Chairperson Michaela MacColl will outline the day’s activities.  

A special message for jUNe Day from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be delivered, along with brief remarks by a special guest from the UN.

After the speeches, United Nations staff and representatives from UN Member Governments and their families will participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities around town.

The annual jUNe Day celebration was established in 1965 by the late Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen, the founder of the UNASWCT, in observance of the signing of the UN Charter on June 26th, 1945. For more information on the event, please contact Hass at (203) 454-7685.

Great Duck Race

The Great Duck Race raffle offers $10,000 in total prizes, including a $5,000 grand prize, a $1,000 second prize, and eight additional prizes of $500 each.

Proceeds from raffle ticket sales support local and international charitable projects. Local beneficiaries have included Caroline House, Help for Kids, Homes with Hope, Homes for the Brave, Positive Directions, and The Susan Fund. Funds have also supported humanitarian projects in Ukraine and Uganda.

The Great Duck Race is part of a family-friendly community celebration running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include children’s games and the popular Nerdy Derby. Food and refreshments will be available from The Blind Rhino, Crazy Taco Mex, Lobsta Kitchen, Alina’s Cakes, and Skip’s Ice Cream. Attendees can also enjoy the return of the popular Duck Decoration display featuring creative entries from sponsors, contributors, and local artists.

Major sponsors of this year’s event include Gault Energy, Penna Construction, Hartford HealthCare, and Kohler.

“Every raffle ticket helps support programs that improve lives both locally and internationally,” said Dennis Wong of Westport Sunrise Rotary. “We invite everyone to join us for a fun day of community, family activities, and charitable giving.”

For raffle tickets and additional information about the Great Duck Race, visit here.