Sep. 19—DALLAS TWP. — It's a bird! It's a plane! It's the Wyoming Valley's next legion of caped crusaders, earning their official rank as a superhero as part of a brand-new venture hosted by the Times Leader Media Group and the Beaumont Inn.

Crime fighters from both the big screen and right in the Back Mountain community taught a group of heroes-in-training some tricks of the trade at "Superhero Sunday," held at the Beaumont Inn on Sunday afternoon.

More than 100 children dressed as their favorite heroes (and even some villains) were treated to lunch, refreshments and a chance to join the rank of the superheroes themselves, with training exercises and activities to test their strength and their speed.

"Reaching into the community and bringing people together like this is such an important part of the Times Leader Media Group," said Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage. "We're happy to partner with the Beaumont Inn as we've done for our Princess Parties, and we're happy to help these children unlock their superhero potential."

Joining comic book superheroes were some real-life heroes, firefighters from the Kunkle Fire Department and a police officer from Dallas Township, to offer the children the chance to check out their vehicles and get a glimpse into what it's like to be a first responder.

The afternoon started with a hot meal courtesy of the Beaumont Inn, in order for the young superheroes in training to keep their strength and stamina up for their training exercises.

A number of children expressed their excitement for the day's events.

"I want to take pictures with the superheroes," said 8-year-old Tommy Morris while he waited for the heroes to make their grand entrance.

His sister, Emily, had a different wish.

"I hope they dance," she said.

Fortunately for Emily, the superheroes did dance. They also led the group of children through a series of warmup exercises and, eventually, taught them some moves that would serve this crop of future heroes well once they begin their crime-fighting careers.

With all training exercises completed, and the superhero Code of Honor recited, it was made official, certificates and all: the next generation of superheroes were officially ready to fly.

After more games and dancing with the comicbook heroes, the children were invited to make their way out to the front parking lot, where a Kunkle fire truck was waiting, doors open for all to climb aboard.

Kunkle fire chief Jack Dodson and assistant fire chief Rusty Coolbaugh assisted helping the young heroes into the truck, and allowed children to try on a firefighter coat and helmet, to the delight of everyone.

Nathan Hampton, 5, had a very simple response when asked what he would be doing now that he had his official superhero certificate.

"Kick something!" he said.