CHOCOWINITY — Under a sunny autumn sky, more than 250 people gathered in Chocowinity Saturday to relive old-timey days down on the farm.

The event, hosted by Eastern Antique Power Association and The Arc of Beaufort County, was designed for individuals with special needs, their families and caregivers.

“It is a special event … it is their event and they feel very comfortable here,” said Sandra Buckman, The Arc’s executive director. “They know it’s being done especially for them, and that’s what makes it so important.”

The country fair is one of the highlights of the year for the special guests, who range in age from toddlers to senior citizens well into their 80s,Buckman added.

“Two days after the event I have people asking when we’re going to the tractor festival,” she said with a smile. “This means something different for everyone out here. Everybody that comes here has a different take on why this is a fun event.”

And there was certainly plenty of things to keep folks entertained. According to EAPA president Stan Hudson, Saturday’s fair included corn bag toss games, an old-fashioned water pumping station, corn shelling and rides on tractors, a barrel train and a 1922 Model T automobile. With all that activity it’s no wonder everyone worked up an appetite, so the hot dogs, pizza, soft drinks, ice cream, popcorn and shaved ice treats were most welcome.

“We want to give back to the community and give our special needs citizens a day on the farm,” said Hudson. “Our club has hosted this for four years.”

While the bulk of the planning was done by the club and The Arc staff, the day also drew quite a few volunteers who pitched in to make the event a success. Those volunteers included members of the Iron Order Skeleton Crew Motorcycle Club, youth from Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville and personnel from the Grimesland Fire Department.

Community sponsors providing goods and services included Warrens Hot Dogs, Pizza Inn, Pizza Hut, Dominos, Papa Johns, East Carolina Customs, Salon 208, Sylvan Learning Center, Potter Oil, Bert and Nancy Aycock, Otis Clark, Curt Jenkins, Roger Cates, Ledrue Buck, David’s Trash, Mitchell Tractor, Rusty and Patsy Duke, Washington Daily News and Stan and Linda Hudson.

Eastern Antique Power Association also hosts a May tractor show and proceeds from that event help fund the fall fair for the special needs community, according to Hudson.