ANDOVER — One year after a tragic death, a community gathered to make the day a celebration of life.
To celebrate Sidney Olson, the 5-year-old girl killed when she was struck by a tractor-trailer while crossing Elm Square, her family and community members held Rainbow Day on Saturday.
Behind Old Town Hall, 20 Main St., rainbows made from balloon arches and ribbons, or drawn in chalk or painted on canvases, decorated the blocked-off parking lot. Under one arch was a DJ playing music for a dance party.
The tagline for Rainbow Day came from how Sidney called every day the best day ever, Eric Olson, Sidney’s father said.
The event had family-friendly activities, ranging from touch-a-truck with a tractor, police cars, and an ambulance to crafts like painting and sidewalk art.
One booth was organized by the Rainbow Fund, which Olson is the president of. The table had gift bags, potted flowers, and wildflower seeds to keep Sidney’s bright and colorful personality alive in the community.
On a table at the other end of the event, there were five framed drawings and collages by Sidney. With the chalk on the ground, participants scrawled drawings of rainbows, whimsical flowers, and messages of love for Sidney and her family.