One of the oldest traditions of the Derby/Shelton Rotary Club and the two communities it serves is the annual Thanksgiving Day High School Football Luncheon. The event dates back to at least the late 1930’s and has been a holiday fixture for decades. At one time the local Kiwanis Club took the teams to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees (Yes Yankees – not Giants) for a game and a steak dinner. Over time, the event evolved into a joint luncheon sponsored by both the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. Since the demise of the local Kiwanis club, the tradition has continued and thrived under the sponsorship of the Derby/Shelton Rotary Club.
In addition to hearing from the coaches and captains of the football, all senior members of the teams and the cheerleading squads were introduced. Each school also brings along a special guest speaker who played for their school and recounts their experiences and current situations.
Video from the 2014 luncheon:
Click here to see additional pictures from the luncheon.