With candy — and lots of it — Weathersfield says thanks

By HAROLD GWIN

VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER

MINERAL RIDGE — Virginia Jordan and her son Christopher, 6, of Forest Ridge Court were sitting on the curb along state Route 46.

Based on the doubled up plastic bag in Virginia’s hands, they were clearly awaiting something.

They didn’t have to wait long.

Within minutes, the sounds of sirens and a marching band could be heard just over the hill from where they sat.

“Here it comes,” one little girl nearby squealed, as her companions jumped up and down in excitement.

It was Weathersfield School District’s annual Community Spirit Day Parade today, and hundreds of district residents lined the street just before 3 p.m.

“We came out for the parade, and it’s a nice day,” Jordan said, adding that she just moved to Mineral Ridge three years ago.

She may be a relative newcomer to town, but Jordan knew Sunday’s event was designed “just to bring the community together ... show our spirit.”

Christopher’s favorite part of the parade? “Throwing candy. And eating candy,” he said, smiling.

Candy was the name of the game.

Nearly every car, float and fire truck in the parade had someone tossing candy to the crowd.

Children, some in Halloween costumes, lined the route, bags in hand, awaiting the bounty — and they got it.

There was so much candy that it was more than some kids could pick up before the next handful came their way.

One young man and his mother, stationed in a driveway by themselves, quickly filled up one plastic bag and were well into filling a second long before the parade ended.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.