CHOCOWINITY — The Chocowinity Community Center was filled with the sounds of laughter during Saturday’s Fall Festival Fun Day, hosted by ACCEPT and ExCel.

Area youngsters, their families, buddies and caregivers were invited to share in the celebration, part of a series of events for special needs children. But all children are welcome to attend the monthly festivities, according to ACCEPT founder and director Allison Crisp.

“Everyone is welcome to attend … we offer activities where all can belong and be themselves,” she said. “This is for any child who is just looking for a place to fit in.”

Saturday morning’s event included face painting, games, dancing and a costume parade. Crisp also led the group in a “thankfulness” lesson and craft, pointing out all the things for which they could be thankful including family, friends, faith and good health.

Brenda Willis assisted with the event, and she watched as her two children joined in the fun.

“Jonathan and Elizabeth look forward to this a lot because they are among people who accept them,” Willis said. Their challenges are not focused on … they’re just Elizabeth and Jonathan. Nobody points out what you can’t do, it’s what you can do.”

For anyone who may have missed the event, don’t despair. ACCEPT and ExCel have a full schedule of activities scheduled over the next eight months.

The group will gather again Nov. 22 for lunch and fun day activities, including the opportunity to ride in the Chocowinity Christmas parade. Participants are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the parade line-up adjacent to Chocowinity Middle School.

Two more events slated for December will allow the youngsters and their guests to usher in the Christmas season in grand style. An Art Day is planned for Dec. 13 and a Christmas party will be held Dec. 20, according to Crisp. Both events run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the community center.

ACCEPT and ExCel will hit the ground running in 2015, as well. Monthly gatherings are planned and will include additional Fun Day celebrations, Valentine’s Day party, Easter egg hunt and a cookout welcoming the arrival of summer.

“We’re able to do all these activities because the adult prom was so successful,” said Crisp, referring to September’s gala fundraiser held at the Washington Yacht and Country Club. “We are also blessed to have sponsors who are so supportive of us.”

Crisp invited all local youngsters who are looking a special niche to join in the fun, with families and friends also welcome. Anyone wishing to volunteer time and talent is encouraged to participate, too.

ACCEPT and ExCel activities are geared to children between 3 and 18 years old. For more information, contact Crisp at 252-623-9381 or iacceptallchildren@gmail.com