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Kristi Cheesman, right, holds a baby rabbit as Anne Marie Ward and Nicole Recknor watch. Anne Marie and Nicole attend Brookwood High School. The petting zoo was one of the most popular attractions.
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Lilburn, GA March 19, 2008 - More than 40 children with special needs and their families enjoyed a fun-filled Saturday afternoon on March 8 at a carnival organized by more than 200 youth and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and represented congregations in Lilburn, Snellville, Centerville, Lawrenceville, Grayson, Dacula, Conyers and Covington.
The unexpected cold weather produced snowflakes that forced almost all the events inside. But, the cold didn’t chill the atmosphere of fun and laughter that filled the gym while families enjoyed the various activities organized for free by the youth which included carnival games, face painting, T-shirt making area, a petting zoo, balloons, clowns, and pony rides.
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As Ann Marie Ward prepares to attempt a basketball shot, her parents Bill and Maureen Ward, her friend Nicole Recknor, and some Mormon youth offer encouragement.
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“These children are so happy, that it just makes me feel happy, too,” said Lawrenceville resident Kristi Cheesman who was one of the teenagers who freely gave of her time and talents to the carnival. “The children are so full of love that it makes it worth all the time and trouble that it takes to put on the carnival.”
Each child was assigned a teenager as an escort and they made the rounds of activities together. Several parents commented on what a great activity it was. Mary Ward and her parents, Jamie and Jeremy, traveled from Winder to participate in the event.
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Lauren Wallace from Dacula shares a big smile as she rides on a real pony.
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“We have come before and we had such a good time,” Jamie said. “We plan to come again next year.”
The annual carnival was first held in 2005. The youth had such a great time that they voted to make it an annual activity. This year’s carnival was part of an LDS Lilburn Stake youth conference that also included speakers, workshops, meals, games, and a dance.
