Shortly after 4 p.m. Oct 1, different colors of dust clouds could be seen rising against a dark cloudy sky. The drizzly weather could not hamper the spirits of this year’s Kindess Color Run participants.

With the help of both Eastern and Western fire departments, volunteers and PTO members, this year’s Salisbury Elementary School Kindness Color Run was a success, in spite of the rain.

Prior to the start of the run, most of the students headed to the gym which was equipped with neon lights and decorations. Shooting hoops, hopscotch and dancing to the latest songs from a DJ kept everyone in high spirits.

A group of fourth graders decided to stay outside and play football until the start of the race.

It had been a busy week for everyone involved with SES. As PTO Vice President Jennifer Freas told The Press, “Leading up to the event, we held a spirit week where each day the students wore a specific color. Each class also made posters that illustrated kindness that will be displayed at the event and then hung up in the school for everyone to enjoy.”

Freas also went on to explain the Kindness Color Run is a fundraiser to help pay for field trips and other activities which take place throughout the school year. To date, $10,000 has been raised.

For many of the SES students The Press spoke to, the run is a highlight of the year, especially the part about getting blasted with different colors. Jayla Laudenslager said she loves all the rainbow colors, while her sister Alexa loves red.

Zoey Page, who came with her family dressed in rainbow colors was excited for the race. Her cousin Grace Stanley shared that sentiment. Zoey spoke about how her school year has been going well so far and she enjoys learning new things from her teachers.

Two Salisbury Middle School students, Abby Nixon and Rachel McKelbey, helped as volunteers ... and yes, they also took part in the color blast, with Rachel describing herself as a giant Cheetos.

Western Salisbury Fire Chief Joshua Wells told The Press why it was so important for both Eastern and Western firefighters to be part of this event. “It’s huge because it brings everybody together. It also shows that the fire departments are part of the community,” Wells said.

And that spirit of community is why Janelle Hallmam brought both her sons, Hayes and Holden, to this year’s run. She explained she “loves living in Salisbury because it is such a warm and loving community.”