Children with physical and mental disabilities, along with their families, are invited to come out for a morning of fun and fellowship this weekend as First Church of Christ hosts its second-annual Exceptional Kids Fun Fest on Saturday.

According to event organizer Rebecca Reisig, it’s a chance for kids with special needs to engage in a host of activities in an environment where they have the help they need.

“The idea is to provide a space, time and the assistance needed to do some sensory activities, some art projects, and we have a couple bounce houses in our Family Life Center,” Reisig said.

In addition to art and other sensory activities, there will also be a music room during the event that will allow children to play with instruments such as drums, keyboard and guitars, an activity they might not usually try. For kids who are easily overwhelmed by loud noise and too much activity, the event offers a calm, yet fun, environment.

“The whole idea is to help them do things that typical kids do all the time, like climb a bounce house,” Reisig said. “Independence is a big thing.”

Last year, about 20 children and their families participated in the event, along with 68 volunteers. Reisig said the feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive.

“It was such a loving atmosphere,” Reisig said. “Everybody really wanted to be there and really appreciated the intent of creating an event where their kids were supported. People came up to me and said, ‘This is a really great thing for our kids.’”

The Exceptional Kids Fun Fest will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at First Church of Christ, located at 520 E. 10th St., Washington. The event is completely free and includes a lunch afterward. Registration is encouraged for both participating families and volunteers and can be found at www.firstchurchnc.net.