By Erin Richardson and Vanessa Woods

Cony High School students, staff and the community held a bonfire at Mill Park to rejuvenate school spirit and revive an old homecoming tradition on September 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Leading up to the large bonfire, the school’s fall athletic teams competed in a tug of war, three-legged race, dizzy izzy, dress relay and push up contests. The football team won three events and the boy’s soccer team won two.

“It was good friendly competition for sports teams,” said Bethany Lyon, a junior and a member of the girl’s soccer team.

Lyon participated in a tug of war against the field hockey team. The field hockey team won and then lost the second round against the football team, who went on to win the tug of war overall.

Watching the sports teams compete was fun for students attending the event, said Spencer Soiett, a sophomore who was among the approximately 300 people at the park on Wednesday.

“I enjoyed the games the most as they were fun to watch” Soiett said “I would go again. I had a great time with friends.”

All four grades also ran booths to raise money for graduation at the event. Students who signed up to go to Guatemala in February also sold walking tacos―a Doritos snack bag filled with taco toppings―and bracelets to raise money for the trip with the help of teachers and parents.

Jon Millett, the athletic director who coordinated the event, said he plans to bring the bonfire back as an annual tradition.

Given the strong turnout from the community, his plans may come true.