VISIT WITH SANTA — Santa Claus came to town to the delight of children and adults duriing a sensory-friendly holiday event at the Jeffco Event Center in Steubenville. Despite the harsh cold and snow on Sunday, people gathered at the site for an inclusive celebration complete with treats, activities and photos with Old St. Nick. Santa stopped to listen to the wishes of those in attendance, including 6-year-old Rilynn Yeager of Toronto, who received a few goodies after offering her Christmas wish list. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Santa Claus came to Steubenville, much to the delight of children and adults during a sensory-friendly event held Sunday at the Jeffco Center. Families braved the cold and snow to participate in the inclusive festivities.

Guests enjoyed decorating cookies and making crafts, drinking hot cocoa and eating cookies. Photos were taken with St. Nick.

The event was sponsored by Special Connections, a collaboration between the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Special Needs Parents of the Ohio Valley Support Group on Facebook and Crossroads Christian Church.

The fourth-annual event provided a comfortable space for people of all ages and abilities to celebrate the season together.

According to Mindy Aleksiejczyk, JCBDD board vice president, “It’s sensory-friendly and not too much for those who may get overstimulated.”

“They can come and make memories,” added Cookie West, JCBDD community and public relations specialist. “They aren’t just in the moment, they are alive in the feeling. And it’s wonderful to see them smile and hear their laughter.”

Family members agreed the activity was a wonderful way to participate in the holidays, including Bobbi Liddick of Toronto, who attended with her daughter.

“It gives us a chance to have a good time and enjoy the season in an informal setting,” Liddick said. “There are no expectations except to have a good time. And she loves to get to see Santa Claus.”

“We’ve been coming here since it started and we love it,” added Natalie Smith of Steubenville, who attended the event with her two children. “We feel like they are in an environment where they can be themselves. It’s a fun atmosphere, too.”