Photo provided Special Connections will host an inclusive holiday fete to ring in spring with its fourth-annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 29.

STEUBENVILLE — Special Connections will host an inclusive holiday event to welcome spring with its fourth annual Easter egg hunt on March 29.

The free event will begin at 2 p.m. at the School of Bright Promise, 256 John Scott Highway, Steubenville. Organizers said there will be plenty of activities for attendees.

Special Connections is a collaboration among the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crossroads Christian Church and the Special Needs Parents Support Group of the Ohio Valley Facebook page. Member Mindy Aleksiejczyk said Bright Promise officials will also be involved as hosts of the event.

“We will have an egg hunt with at least 2,000 eggs. The Easter Bunny will be there, and we will have light refreshments, baby goats and photo opportunities,” Aleksiejczyk said. “We have changed the location this year to make the event more accessible.”

She said Special Connections holds events for all ages and abilities, with organizers working to ensure everyone can enjoy an inclusive and relaxed experience. Past events have drawn about 150 attendees, and she hopes for another strong turnout.

“Families really enjoy our events. They appreciate that they can come and enjoy them with little worry,” she said. “We are often thanked for having events that are accessible for all abilities, and we love supporting everyone in our community.”

The annual activity began when Crossroads Christian Church organized the first event and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities became a collaborator. Special Connections later formed and began hosting events such as the Special Summer Bash, Fall Bash and sensory-friendly Santa festivities.

Now in its fifth year, the organization recently obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will allow officials to seek funding to expand programming and create more opportunities for the community. Leaders said their goal is to offer free, inclusive events and resources for families of people with disabilities.

For more information, contact Aleksiejczyk at 740-457-9941, email specialconnections740@gmail.com

or visit the Special Connections Facebook page.