On June 3 from noon to 4pm, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary will host its third annual Catherine’s Butterfly Party event in Newtown.

This free family-focused festival and pet adoption event features fun activities for adults and kids, including face painting, games, crafts, vendors, food trucks and live music by LaFrance Acoustic. Special guests at the event include The Dogist, Susie’s Senior Dogs and Sophie Gamand. Nature and educational exhibits offered include Animal Embassy, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens, Audubon at Bent of the River, Horizon Wings Birds of Prey Demonstration, K-9 demonstrations, The Exceptional Pet Dog Training, “Bee Kind” and CT SART.

On December 14, 2012, when a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and took the lives of 20 innocent children and six adults, one of the victims was Catherine Violet Hubbard. Catherine will always be remembered for her love of all animals. Every year, Catherine asked for a birthday party that would bring all of her favorite animals together; Catherine’s Butterfly Party is that wish continuing to be fulfilled.

For more information about the animal rescue agencies, the nature and educational exhibits that will be at this year’s event, and the sponsors, visit CVHFoundation.org/3rd-Annual-Catherines-Butterfly-Party/ or Facebook.com/CatherineVioletHubbardAnimalSanctuary. Location: Fairfield Hills Campus, 3 Primrose St, Newtown.