Bethel's Firecracker Run Boosts Community Spirit, Aids Charities

BETHEL, Conn. -- Hot and sweaty runners in Bethel’s 8K John DeMille Firecracker Road Race got a chance to cool down Monday, thanks to the local fire department.

Runners cool off by trotting through a spray set up by Bethel's fire and emergency services departments Monday.
Photo Credit: *Bethel Fire & EMS*

With temps in the high 80s, the finish line must have looked good to runners participating in the John DeMille Firecracker Road Race in Bethel Monday.
Photo Credit: *Bethel Fire & EMS*

The fire department's hose sprays water, creating a rainbow, as runners trot past during Monday's John DeMille Fiecracker Road Race in Bethel.
Photo Credit: *Bethel Fire & EMS*

Carol Reif

07/05/2016 3:15 p.m.

Firefighters set up a hose that sprayed race participants with water as they trotted past.

Also on hand to make sure everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday were members of the town’s emergency medical services and other volunteers.

Kids took part in a Mini Cracker run.

The race, which was sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, started and ended at the Bethel Municipal Center on School Street.

Proceeds from the event were to go to two charities: Ben’s Bells and the Scotty Fund.

Ben’s Bells, an Arizona-based organization, had opened a studio in Newtown, following the Sandy Hook tragedy, but moved to Bethel in 2015.

The program, started by a couple who lost their toddler to a respiratory disease, allows children and adults to create clay bells with messages asking people to be kind to one another.

The bells are hung in random public places and finders can take them home.

The Scotty Fund aids the families of children with critical or life-threatening diseases.

Based in Bethel, it was established in memory of Scotty Anderson, a 3-year-old who died of cancer.

The town’s annual picnic in September will also raise money for the Scotty Fund.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Newtown and receive free news updates.