Smithville School District hosted a free community event on March 19th, focused on fostering happiness, health, and a sense of belonging among residents. Denise Harwood, Director of Student Services stated, “Community, connection and belonging accurately describe the atmosphere of the first Warrior Color Fun Run. We were thrilled to have so many families and community members participate in the fun. The weather was beautiful, the food trucks were delicious, and the excitement of the runners was contagious. Thank you to our volunteers and community for making this year's run a huge success!” The event featured various activities aimed at engaging attendees of all ages.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT:
• HOPE Squad Showcase: Students from the elementary buildings displayed their caring and inspiring projects nurtured within their buildings.
• Food Trucks: A lineup of food trucks offered dinner options and snacks, providing attendees with a variety of choices.
• Activity Booths: Booths were set up with activities like bracelet making and cornhole, providing entertainment for community members throughout the evening.
• 1.3 Mile Run/Walk: The event included a 1.3-mile run/ walk, promoting physical activity and wellness within the community. Participants were showered with colored powder, adding a fun element to the event.
The overarching goal of the event was to provide a safe and enjoyable gathering for the entire community, emphasizing the importance of unity and togetherness. Through these initiatives, Smithville School District continues to prioritize the well-being and engagement of its community.
Sierra and Craig Mattson, along with their kids, joined the Warrior Color Fun Run for family time and community engagement. Sierra said this about the event, “I think these types of events really help make it a priority for families to get together and do something they’ll remember vs. just the usual running to practice or going to ball games or other activities. For us, we made a decision to do the run and miss out on another event, because we knew we would all get to participate. I loved seeing my kids find their friends in the crowd and putting names to faces. I also loved having school members at the color stations or participating in the run themselves. Our kids look up to them like they’re super heroes, so they felt very cool seeing them and having them cheer on the kids." All of the Mattson children agreed that getting splashed with colors was a highlight. When asked, what would you say to other kids who are considering participating in a similar event in the future? First grader Sylvi said, “You should do it! It’s really, really, really fun!”