RUTLAND – After being sidelined by the pandemic a year ago, it was Mother Nature who tempered the Independence Day celebrations this year.
But even as clouds gathered Saturday, about 50 Rutland kids dressed in hoodies and rain ponchos raced in Junior Olympics events held at Memorial Park. A little rain couldn t stop the 5- to 12-year-olds from trying their best at competitions such as softball throw, frisbee, long jump, 50-meter dash, hula hoop and an obstacle course. We were super excited that it took place despite the weather conditions, said Rutland resident Dianah Butterfield, whose children Brooke and Colton participated in the annual event for the first time. 5-year-old Brooke was prepared to perform the song My Once Upon a Time from the film Descendants 3 in a Lip Sync competition that was canceled due to the weather.