VALDOSTA — Playing a competitive game of Connect Four, Keira Jones spent quality time with her kids Saturday at the Sixth Annual Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt. 

The special-needs event was hosted by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority and featured 3,000 toy- and candy-filled eggs for disabled children ages 2-12.

After the kids searched for colorful eggs at the Craig Center, they filled up on snacks and played games with their families.

Popcorn and arts and crafts were available for the interactive occasion. The Easter Bunny even hopped into the event to take photos with the kids.

Like Jones, it’s become tradition for some parents to bring their child to the social event.

“I like the friendship and the camaraderie that they have for the special-needs kids, so I actually like that they’re doing something for kids with disabilities in the community,” she said.

She and her son, Justus Flanigan, who has Down syndrome, took on a giant Connect Four against her other son, Klen Flanigan. Justus Flanigan won the game.

Shekira Williams, assisting 9-year-old Nevaeh Murray with candy, said her daughter is autistic and developmentally delayed.

They’ve attended the egg hunt for three years and said the event helps her daughter be social.

“I’m actually glad that they do something like this for special-needs kids,” she said. “It makes them feel normal and welcomed.”

The Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt helps Nealana Freeman’s daughter, 9-year-old Jordyn Freeman, make new friends while visiting with old ones. Jordyn Freeman is autistic, her mom said.

“She really loves coming to (this),” Nealana Freeman said. “This is just an awesome event that they do every year, and my kids look forward to it.”

Winners of the various games received prizes such as gift cards, a basketball and football helmets.

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.