By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

ALABASTER–Rain had no chance of putting a damper on the eighth-annual Fall Fling held Oct. 8 at Veteran’s Park in Alabaster.

The date for the Fall Fling was set originally for Friday, Oct. 3 but was postponed until Wednesday due to rain.

The Fall Fling is organized for special needs students in the Alabaster and Shelby County School systems where the students can have fun and interact outside for a few hours at the 100-acre park.

Alabaster Parks and Recreation employee and event coordinator Alicia Walters discussed the different things students could participate in and why it’s important.

“There are seven rotation stations that include crafts, inflatables, fishing and more,” said Walters. “Watching the kids smile and have a good time while being outside is just really great to see.”

Students were seen laughing and interacting at different stations around the park as a change of pace from the normal routine at school.

Ashlyn Bullock, a student at Helena Intermediate School, talked about some of her favorite things she got to experience at the event.

“My favorite part is the bouncing house,” said Bullock. “I also caught a fish today!”

Many different students from elementary and middle schools in Shelby County attended the fling and Walters thanked the many people and organizations that helped make the fling a success.

“I want to thank our many volunteers and peer helpers who are here from Thompson High School,” said Walters. “We are grateful for Blue Cross Blue Shield and members of Covenant Classical School for being here also.”