Children attending the weekend’s Holiday Festival event were able to jump, climb, and crawl their way through multiple obstacle courses to graduate from Superhero Academy.

The event, sponsored by Newtown Hardware and run by Boy Scout Troop 70, was December 5 at Newtown Hook and Ladder. Spider-Man, portrayed by Stephen Wood, and Wonder Woman, portrayed by Stacey Bednarz, both of CT Princess Parties, encouraged and took pictures of the children as they navigated multiple obstacle courses, raced on pedal-driven carts, and lifted “heavy” barbells to prove their mettle as the next generation of superheroes.

At the end of their “training,” children received an official graduation certificate, a superhero cape and mask, and the opportunity to take a photo with Spider-Man and Wonder Woman.

All proceeds from the Holiday Festival will go to Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS). The Holiday Festival is NYFS’ largest annual fundraiser and proceeds go towards mental health, autism, and community services. The Holiday Festival included cultural entertainment and confections, an outdoor holiday market, a showing of The Nutcracker Suite ballet, the Festival of Trees, children’s activities at the library, the Superhero Academy, a ride on the historic trolley tour, and Edible Creations viewing and voting.

Reporter Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.