T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Kara Erwin, east office regional director of The Arc of Ohio, holds a decoration in preparation for the “Everyone’s Got Talent” event set for Aug. 7 at the St. Clairsville Recreation Center’s outdoor amphitheater. The community event will help raise awareness for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Organizers are hoping for a good turnout for the second annual “Everyone’s Got Talent,” presented by The Arc of Ohio.

The community event is set to take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 7 at the St. Clairsville Recreation Center’s outdoor amphitheater located at 102 Fair St.

The talent show, which is meant to raise awareness for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was first held in 2019 but was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kara Erwin, regional director of The Arc of Ohio, said she is excited for its return this year. She added that the first year for the event was a great success and they are hoping this year will be as well.

The event will include food, vendors, free kids entertainment and a talent show that features acts performed by people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Erwin said the show gives participants a chance to be in the spotlight alongside their typical peers who will also present talent acts in support. There are 15 acts set to take place that will showcase participant’s dancing, singing and comedic talents.

The Arc of Ohio is a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of residents with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism and intellectual disabilities, and their families. The organization helps to improve the quality of life for these individuals, Erwin said. She said they help individuals ages birth to death and their families navigate available services. The East Office, located in St. Clairsville, serves 10 counties — Belmont, Harrison, Noble, Jefferson, Guernsey, Perry, Morgan, Monroe, Muskingum and Washington.

“Every county does things a little differently based on what the parents need, what the need is of the community. Here in St. Clairsville, we have a need for a parent support group and peer support group,” she said. “The groups give individuals the chance to interact and make friends.”

The organization has a grant through The Angel Project which helps the office provide individuals with clothing, food, and advocacy. All the funds raised at the event will help match funds received through the project.

The show is sponsored by The Snotty Pooch, Shaheen Law Group, Kalkreuth Roofing, Gold, Khourey and Turak, The Caferro Foundation, Ohio Valley Nutrition, Hygela LLC Visiting Angels, Trisha Mamula, and Dr. Robert Cross. Prior to the start of the talent show, the Snotty Pooch will hold a Dog Festival beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing intermittently throughout the day.

Erwin said there will be plenty of activities including a bounce house, face painting, balloon art, a pie eating contest and a celebrity dunking tank featuring local doctors, fire fighters, police officers, school personnel, business owners and more. She said many times people in these professions only see individuals with disabilities in a crisis situation, the event allows them to see the individuals in a different light.

“They are celebrities to people with disabilities,” she added.

All are welcome to attend the event. Admission is free.