KILLINGTON, Vt. — It’s a sight that usually makes the stomach drop.

Hundreds of visitors at Killington Resort returned to their vehicles Wednesday to find what appeared to be orange parking citations tucked under their wipers, issued by the resort’s “Parking Authority Division.”

The flip side told a different story.

“Happy April Fools,” the paper read.

The authentic-looking parking ticket served as a wrapper for a Hershey’s chocolate bar.

“Enforcement Action: Enjoy this sweet surprise,” the paper added.

Josh Reed, a Killington Resort spokesperson, said Wednesday afternoon that “hundreds and hundreds” of the treats were placed on vehicles throughout the resort and a few other spots in town.

“April Fools’ has always been a big part of Killington,” Reed said. “We’re looking to have a good time and not take things too seriously.”

In addition to businesses, some local governments also decided to have a little April Fools’ fun on Wednesday.

Rutland Town, on its Facebook page, announced that it was turning one of its recreational areas into a water park, complete with slides, splash pads, a lazy river and a “seasonal ‘Polar Plunge Zone’ (open year-round … maybe).”

The post added, “After years of community feedback requesting ‘more splash’ the Town is diving in.”

Construction, the post added before indicating it was an April Fools’ joke, is slated to begin when the snow fully melts, mud season passes and “someone figures out where all the water would go.”

This story was republished with permission from VtDigger, which offers its reporting at no cost to local news organizations through its Community News Sharing Project. To learn more, visit vtdigger.org/community-news-sharing-project.