Zion Methodist Community Church in Buffalo hosts Fun Fest for special needs families

The rain on Saturday afternoon fit right into the four seasons theme of a Fun Fest for special needs families at Zion Methodist Community Church in Buffalo Township.

“We’ll have some sunshine too,” said organizer Becky Ross. “It’s all about making these families smile.”

Among the foam machine and bouncy houses at the church campus on Bear Creek Road, there were visits from Santa and the Easter Bunny, along with fish pond games, sno-cones and pumpkin crafts.

Ross said the idea was born from her years working with special needs students in the Freeport Area School District. A similar dance for teens earlier this year drew 82 participants.

“We were blown away,” Ross said. “There’s obviously a need for this ministry.”

Festival-goers made their way from season to season, with summer boasting a duck pond, bowling alley, hot dogs and a dance party.

In the autumn section, there was a 25-ton dump truck on display for Veteran’s Day by the U.S. Army 340th Engineering Co. out of New Kensington, along with the Lernerville Speedway pace truck.

Samantha Koller, 9, of Winfield served up sno-cones and said it made her feel good to volunteer at the picnic.

“This is a wonderful day,” said Samantha’s mom, Missy. “There’s not a lot for special needs children in this way and it’s nice to watch them having such a great time.”

Inside, spring activities included inflatable basketball and baseball games, which drew whoops and hollers from many of the attendees.

Volunteer Colton Abbott, 21, a secondary education major at Slippery Rock, spent the day shooting hoops with nine-year-old RJ Vaughan of Freeport.

“I enjoy helping out,” Abbott said. “It’s nice to see this.”

There were about 40 volunteers total who helped run activities and food stands.

Tim Saxman of Butler attended with his son, Timmy, 26. He was excited to return to Zion for the event, having grown up in the home across the street. Saxman’s dad was the minister at one time, he said.

On Saturday, he and his son visited with Santa in the winter room and jumped through the foam outside.

“I think it’s great,” Saxman said. “It’s a really nice way to watch the kids have fun.”