Leah Burdette of Fayetteville beamed while her kids – Phoebe, 4, and Peter, 3 – took in the festivities at People First of Henry County’s Extra Special Easter Party and Egg Hunt Saturday. Burdette said she was particularly happy knowing Phoebe, who has autism, could celebrate the occasion in a safe way.

  “We came last year also, and it’s fantastic,” said the mother. “I love that they let all of the families hunt together so that we don’t have to split up when we have a special-needs kid. Usually, she just gets trampled by other kids her own age. I love that they organize it so well.”

  People First held the 15th annual party at Nash Farm in Hampton. Approximately 550 people gathered for a plethora of games and activities throughout the day.

  People First, a nonprofit organization, provides free social events throughout the year for children and adults with special needs.

  Kristy Dobbs is one of the three directors for People First, along with Melissa Howard and Pamela Young-Wynn. Dobbs said the Easter party is always a hit with kids served by the group.

  “They love being able to come with other special-needs kids and adults and have a sensory-friendly and handicap-accessible egg hunt,” said Dobbs. “Everything’s catered toward the special-needs individuals and their families.”

  Nearly 100 volunteers, including vendors, contributed their time for the event. Dobbs said she is grateful for their continued support for the occasion.

  “We wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” she said. “We even have the sheriff’s department out. They have come out for the last few years and helped block traffic and direct traffic. We appreciate them so much.”

  Frank Ingram of Locust Grove, has brought his son Luke to the party for the last three years, and did so again over the weekend. Ingram said Luke, now 6, always has a good time celebrating Easter with his friends at People First.

  “I just like letting him get out in the fresh air,” said Ingram. “It’s just fun for him. He knows everybody here. He just goes around talking to everybody.”

  Wendy Holmes of Hapeville and her 15-year-old grandson, James, have become fixtures at the Easter party over the years, and continued that tradition Saturday. Holmes said the annual Easter party is one way that People First provides a social outlet for James.

  “It means everything,” said Holmes, a board member for the organization. “If it wasn’t for People First, James would not have grown so much socially. He loves his friends. He has friends from 3-80. We go to all the events, and we just love to see the kids out here having fun and interacting with each other.”

  Moments after getting his hair dyed and his face painted at the party, James Holmes was asked what he enjoyed most about the event. His response seemed to sum up the sentiments of all the kids at the party.   ­“My favorite part is everything,” he said.