Thomas Lynn | The Valdosta Daily TimesBaylee Brown and Cullen Brown dance together during the 11th annual prom for people with disabilities.

VALDOSTA — The 11th annual prom for people with disabilities was an enchanted evening at Mathis City Auditorium.

About 100 people, dressed in their best outfits, danced and sang the night away for the Enchanted Forest-themed prom.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority hosted the prom where anyone with developmental disabilities is welcome to attend.

The event followed a traditional high-school prom setting where a prom king and queen were crowned, a DJ played dance music and food and refreshments were served. Wes Sewell Photography took photos. 

Tammy Crosby, parks and recreation therapeutics coordinator, said the prom’s primary focus is community awareness.

She said the parks and rec authority strives to provide a safe, loving and comfortable environment for guests.

“It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it honestly,” she said in a previous interview. “It’s just a warm, welcoming, loving feeling.”

Parks and rec officials said it is a semi-formal attire event but attendants could wear whatever they chose.

Prom guests are always encouraged to dress up as much as they want, officials said.

Lena Harris and Laura Burke helped look after several guests who attended the prom.

Harris said the event was a special occasion for the attendants who don’t have many opportunities to get out into the community and have fun.

Burke said the prom is a needed event to make the attendants feel like everyone else.

“We went to prom. We danced and had fun,” Burke said. “Why shouldn’t they have that? They love dressing up and dancing. They want to be a part of the community.”

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256