Contributed CONNECT – Special Connections will host its fifth-annual Summer Bash Carnival on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The School of Bright Promise. The event has attracted dozens of participants of all ages and abilities and bigger and better fun is expected this year with games, food, and more. Pictured are children enjoying some of last year’s festivities.)

STEUBENVILLE — Area families are invited to enjoy games, food and inclusive fun during the fifth annual Special Connections Summer Bash Carnival on July 11.

The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the School of Bright Promise, 256 John Scott Highway, Steubenville. Activities will include games, prizes, food, face painting, hair tinsel, visits with baby goats from Heart to Homestead, appearances by Destiny Dog and more.

Special Connections, a collaboration of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crossroads Christian Church and the Special Needs Parents Support in the Ohio Valley Facebook page, hosts events throughout the year aimed at promoting inclusion and providing opportunities for families of all abilities to connect.

Mindy Aleksiejczyk, co-founder of Special Connections, president of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and creator of the Special Needs Parents Support organization, said the carnival has drawn about 150 people annually and organizers expect this year’s event to be the largest yet.

“We will be having better games and we have a different location this year that will make things more accessible,” Aleksiejczyk said. “The purpose is to provide an event in our community that is inclusive where every ability can attend and enjoy with the whole family.”

Earlier this year, Special Connections received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, allowing the organization to pursue grants and donations to support and expand its programming.

In addition to the Summer Bash Carnival, the group hosts a sensory-friendly Santa event during the holiday season and an inclusive Easter egg hunt each spring. The organization also partners with Arc of Ohio to provide meetings where families can learn about available resources while children and young adults participate in activities together.

Aleksiejczyk said community response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We love for our community to come out and enjoy an event where everyone can have fun. We are excited about doing this again and even more excited it is our fifth year. We see so many families from our community come,” she said. “Families with all abilities are able to come out, relax and enjoy. This is an event that welcomes everyone and it is a safe place for families that often stay home. We love putting on these events and are happy to see attendance grow every year.”

Cookie West, community and public relations specialist for the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and a Special Connections board member, said organizers are looking forward to welcoming both returning and first-time participants.

“We’re hoping to see returning and new families and are excited to once again provide this event for all abilities and ages,” West said. “This is for people to have a fun time and continue to build upon fun and shared experiences with their families and community. We are anticipating a large crowd to enjoy a nice event during the summer.”

Kristina Gabel-Schroeder, children’s director at Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville and a Special Connections board member, said the event has continued to grow each year.

“This is definitely going to be bigger and every year we’ve seen many people attend,” Gabel-Schroeder said. “Seeing how far we’ve come over the past five years is amazing. We’re excited at Crossroads Christian Church to be a partner and not only bring another event to the community, but an event where everybody belongs.”

For more information, contact Aleksiejczyk at (740) 457-9941 or email SpecialConnections@gmail.com.

Photo Caption: Children participate in activities during a previous Special Connections Summer Bash Carnival. The fifth annual event will be held July 11 at the School of Bright Promise in Steubenville and will feature games, food, prizes and activities for individuals of all ages and abilities.