CHOCOWINITY — Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers were treated to a day of fun Saturday during a farm festival hosted by The Arc of Beaufort County and Eastern Antique Power Association.

The fourth annual event is a way for the EAPA, a local club with a mission to preserve farm life in days gone by in Beaufort County, to give back to the community. Proceeds from a spring festival, open to everyone, help finance the fall celebration.

“This gives these folks the chance to have fun and operate and drive farm equipment,” said EAPA president Stan Hudson, who offers the use of his show grounds west of Chocowinity each year.

The day’s festivities included tractor and antique car rides, old-fashioned water pumping station, games, hayrides, barrel train rides, prizes and live music, according to Hudson. Everyone from youngsters to senior citizens were welcome.

After working up an appetite with all the activities, participants were invited to snack on free hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks and homemade ice cream.

“It’s now an annual event and it seems to grow every year,” said Arc executive director Sandra Buckman. “We have people coming from other counties who have gotten the message. Everyone who comes always asks when we can do it again; it’s a good opportunity for the whole family.

Joining EAPA members and other volunteers were the Arc’s new board president Lisa Hill, Arc board members and Jim Zimmer, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, which partners with the Arc in fundraising endeavors.

While Saturday’s event was the result of hard work by EAPA members and Arc volunteers, support from the community made it financially possible, according to Hudson.

Sponsors providing goods, services and funds included Pizza Inn, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, Iron Order Motorcycle Club, East Carolina Custom, Warren’s Hot Dogs, Ledrue Buck, Curt Jenkins, Potter Oil & Tire Company, Hodges Chapel Men’s Fellowship; Sylvan Learning Center, Roger Cates, David’s Trash Service, Mitchell Tractor, Piston Ring and Machine Company, Athletic Edge, OBI Lining of Chocowinity, Cox’s Professional Window Tinting and Grimesland Fire Department.

For more information about the Arc of Beaufort County and the services it provides, contact Buckman at sandrabuckman@suddenlink.net.