Fall Festival Offers Fun for Everyone
Trending
STEUBENVILLE-All ages were drawn to the Bright Promise campus in Steubenville for the Special Connections Fall Festival on Oct. 24.
More than 175 children and adults delighted in a day of inclusive fun with games, treats, and togetherness amid bright sunshine and tranquil autumn temperatures. Costumed kiddos, from superheroes to dinosaurs, were among the mix, celebrating in their own way at the fall festival as they painted pumpkins, completed a maze, made bracelets and keychains, and enjoyed the playground, a candy apple bar, inflatable games, and petting goats. The fifth-annual event was sponsored by Special Connections, a collaboration among the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crossroads Christian Church, and the Special Needs Parents of the Ohio Valley Support Group Facebook page.
Special Connections member Mindy Aleksiejczyk, coordinator for the online support group and president of the JCBDD board, said the festival was a resounding success.
"I think this was one of our biggest turnouts and everyone I've talked to enjoyed this year's event," she said. "It's been five years that we've been holding activities, and one of the biggest things we were able to do is provide resources in addition to community events. Special Connections purchased inflatable games through donations, and From Heart to Homestead Farm and local programs have been involved."
Organizers have held trunk-or-treat activities in the past but opted to conduct an inclusive festival where anyone and everyone could have some fun. Highlights included goats provided by From Heart to Homestead Farm of Bloomingdale and resource tables with giveaways and information from Hometown Pediatric Solutions, Everwell Community Health, Hancock County Special Olympics, Ohio Valley Down Syndrome Support Group, Special Connections, the Public Library of Steubenville, and Jefferson County.
"We have people from the tri-state area at all of our events, so we invite resources from neighboring states, as well," Aleksiejczyk added. "This was our biggest event yet. It was great to see so many people in our community come out and join us at this festival. There were so many smiling faces, and we received a ton of feedback from people in attendance about what a great time they had."
She said the growth in attendance was a major highlight, and she noticed the group's mission in full effect.
"This was truly a community event. There were people from every part of our community enjoying this event," she continued. "Although we make our events accessible for individuals with disabilities, these events are for the community and inclusive to everyone. To be able to look around and see new faces and people enjoying each other no matter what the difference was the best thing."
Aleksiejczyk said Special Connections officials were grateful for the response and for the continued support.
"Special Connections would like to thank all those in attendance, those who support our organization because it is a gift to be able to serve our community in this way."
Special Connections began about five years ago and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization last year, offering a variety of events to support a community of belonging. One upcoming event is the annual Sensory-Friendly Santa visit set for mid-December.