Vergennes is the smallest and oldest chartered city in the state of Vermont. Every year since 1981, the city has celebrated those facts with the annual Vergennes Day event, hosted by the Addison County Chamber of Commerce.

This year, 27 students from Northlands Job Corps Academy volunteered to help make sure the event went smoothly. Starting at 7:00am, seven students arrived at the city park to assist vendors and exhibitors in setting up their displays. Then 10 students helped direct traffic and runners for 5K and 10K races. Meanwhile, 10 other students handed out free cotton candy to kids of all ages at the Northlands booth. As you might imagine, it was a very popular spot.

Marguerite Senecal, the event organizer, gave thanks to the students who helped with the set-up, and later the taking down of exhibitor displays. “They were the best help of any crew ever to help,” she said. “They didn’t need to be told more than once what to do, did it with a smile and were pleasant to be around. They actually saw who needed help without being told. Impressive! They went back to Northlands and came back to enjoy some of the event and to help tear down — all without being asked! I was so grateful to have them.”

Scott Gaines, the race event organizer, came by Northlands a few days after the celebration to give free T-shirts to the 5K and 10K volunteers. “Once again, they were an excellent group,” he said.” We couldn’t have done the races without them.”

Back at the cotton candy booth, Vergennes Mayor Michael Daniels came by to thank the students, giving them some delicious cake. All in all, it was a perfect day in out great little city.