The Snowflake Ball held on Saturday evening  at the Bainbridge College Kirbo Center was an astounding success for the second year in a row.

 Publicity and fundraising chairman Pat Harrell said “we just didn’t know it would be so big.” Last year over 50 individuals and their escorts attended and this year there were over 80. “We were surprised last year and this year we were surprised again.” Harrell stated.

All special Olympians age 16 and up were invited to attend the event which was sponsored by the Decatur County Special Olympics committee. It all started when the committee leadership team thought it would be a great idea to have a ball for participants, some of whom were never able to go to a prom. Much like a prom there was a balloon arch and festive tables with decorations donated by Bainbridge High School.

During the promenade everybody lined up and walked through the arch as their names were announced and their outfit was described for the crowd. BHS students volunteered to escort individuals during the promenade and also danced the night away with those attending.

The Pilot Club provided refreshments and Hawkins photography took a photo of all attendees under the arch to be given to them at a later date. Helium for the balloons was donated by Jones Welding and the Kirbo Center was provided at no charge. The DJ was Bill Searcy who is also a special education PE teacher at BHS.

Charles White of Albany ARC, a service provider for three of the ladies and two of the gentlemen in attendance said their “goal is to give them a life well-lived.”  They did just that as each of the ladies got their hair and nails done at a salon, picked out corsages and  got dresses at a bridal shop. 

Guyton Brothers Funeral Home even provided limousines for this group and others. One of the ladies, Megan Carmichael,  said “it was a lot of fun. We got our hair done and our dresses ready and met our dates here.”

As soon as the music started attendees were cuttin’ a rug on the dance floor. Many had some stunning moves which they showed off during  the dance contests. One lady and one gentleman winner of each  contest received Hardy’s gift certificates.

They got down to the twist which was won  by Michael Jones and Blair Williams. The chicken dance was a blast as winners Jenna Kelly and Chris Butler really strutted their stuff.  The Michael Jackson dance was by far the most competitive contest.

One individual donned a silver glove while another combined MJ flair with break dancing moves. It was a tough decision but the winners  were Amanda Kimbrel and the break-dancing Lanorris Miller. The hokey pokey was won by Chris Butler and Amanda Kimbrel who each took home two prizes that evening. Other dances were done just for fun like the electric slide, the macarena  and the bump.

It was obviously  a very special evening for those attending. It was a night to remember and promises to be a lasting event in the community.