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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham Parks and Recreation hosted one of its most popular events on Tuesday, April 15 at the Pelham City Park football field.

A Very Special Easter Egg hunt brought Pelham individuals with disabilities and their families together for an all-ages, all-inclusive Easter celebration beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event featured an appearance from the Easter Bunny and an interactive Easter egg hunt.

Alicia Walters, the assistant director of Pelham Parks and Recreation, outlined the general fun and excitement surrounding the event.

“This is one of our favorite events to host for our community,” Walters said. “We intentionally keep this event on the smaller side so we can focus on making each participant feel special and comfortable. A highlight is watching the interactions with the Easter Bunny. So many smiles, hugs and pure excitement.”

According to Walters, 30 individuals with disabilities registered for the event along with their siblings and families. Approximately 100 to 125 total people were in attendance for the event. Walters dived in to more activities that children and their families participated in.

“We love watching the kiddos hunt for eggs and enjoy their prize baskets,” Walters said. “We have a variety of activities for them to enjoy like face paint, a balloon artist, a cake walk, crafts, games and pictures with the Easter Bunny. This year we added six vendors to be a part of this event. This was a great way for our local businesses and organizations to share what services they offer for children with disabilities. Each vendor offered a game, prizes or giveaways to the families.”

Walters also said that an integral part of the event was Church of the Highlands—Riverchase cooking hotdogs for all attendees and adding to the communal feel of the event.

“There are not a lot of events that are designed to meet their needs and foster a slower-paced environment, so I am reminded every year what a special time this is for these families,” Walters said. “Every year parents thank us for offering this event and tell me it is one of the only events that their child can come and really enjoy. We love offering this event, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year.”

For more information on Pelham Parks and Recreation, visit Pelhamalabama.gov/902/Parks-Recreation.