On Sunday, May 31, CMS participated in the 5th edition of the Color Run in Cessy, France. This annual event is organized by the town of Cessy for the benefit of local associations supporting people with disabilities. This year, around 750 participants gathered to run or walk a fun 5-kilometer race: starting from the centre of Cessy, then going around the CMS site at Point 5 of the LHC, and back. The course passed through four zones – one of them next to Point 5 – where participants were showered with natural coloured powder, and spectators could enjoy live performances.
On the same day, CMS collaborators hosted a CERN stand from 11:00 to 17:00 at the Forum des associations & Pass’Sport at the Salle du Vidolet in Cessy, just next to the Color Run finish line. Organized to promote in a festive environment the activities offered by various associations from the Pays de Gex, the Forum provided a remarkable opportunity to communicate the work done at the CMS experiment, and CERN in general, to our neighbors. Using large images of the detector, a poster with collision event displays, brochures, and various activities provided by both CMS and CERN, CMS physicists eagerly explained their research throughout the event.
The Particle Identities game was a huge success, with visitors of all ages answering a short online quiz to figure out which elementary particle best corresponded to their personality, and then enthusiastically making their own Particle Zoo pin with the help of a CMS volunteer. Another big hit was a word-search puzzle (made by CMS’ very-own quizmaster Chelonia - who also provides quizzes for the CMS monthly Newsletter) featuring French CMS institutes and their team leaders. Some of the visitors’ favourite giveaways included CERN-themed temporary tattoos, as well as magnets and keychains, and 3D-printed CMS models.
One enthusiastic 5-year-old visitor spent most of the afternoon at the stand, explaining to amused bystanders how to make pins and apply temporary tattoos, with his parents and grandparents taking the chance to ask many different questions on particle physics in the meantime. Many locals from Cessy expressed their interest in coming to Point 5 once CMS reopens for visits, and were delighted to hear more about the rich program of activities for families and individuals available at the CERN Science Gateway.
Many thanks to the Mairie de Cessy for the invitation and warm reception, to our visitors for their interest and curiosity, and to our CMS volunteers: Dave Barney, Karla Pena, Uttiya Sarkar, Anne-Marie Magnan, Klaus Rabbertz, Ludivine Ceard, Manfred Jeitler, Gaelle Boudoul, Fabien Ebode Onyie… for joining the event and sharing their passion for science with the public!