Holiday Dance Held in Biloxi for Those with Special Needs
A holiday night of fun, friends, dancing, and Santa doing the Electric Slide, that’s what guests of the Biloxi Special Needs Dance had to enjoy Friday night. Preston Langlinais, a guest, says, "I love it. I came here last year, and I came here this year again."
Cheryl Bell, Director of Biloxi Parks and Recreation Department, says, "They’ll come out, they’ll visit with Santa. Santa has a candy cane for them of course and they’ll just enjoy each other’s company.”
The event was a special dance for a special group. For the third year in a row, guests of all ages are treated to a night of their own. Volunteers who make it happen say it’s become one of their most treasured holiday traditions. Bobbie Belcher, a volunteer who plays Mrs. Claus, says, "It really gives you a nice feeling in your heart to see the smiles and the joy. There’s nothing like it."
Not only is this event for the special needs members of the community, but also anyone who’d like to come join the fun. Bell closes, "So it’s really not just for disabilities. It’s them, but we welcome everyone that comes out and it just gives them a chance to socialize and be with their peers and also learn from others."
Friday night was also a fun way to give back. Admission was an unwrapped toy, not exceeding a value of $10, which will be donated to the Biloxi Police Department’s Santa Wears a Badge program. Friday night’s event encompassed the best of the holiday spirit: a little dancing, lots of joy, and a heart of service. If you missed Friday night’s dance, there are monthly events put on for those with special needs. Some future events include a winter formal and a Mardi Gras ball.
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