GRCF: Special Friends Day 2025

Sat, 07/05/2025 - 1:20pm — Diane Dyer

Thursday, July 9th, Special Friends Day marked the start of the Catfish Festival. Special Friends Day is a free event dedicated to the special needs community. It included carnival rides, a petting zoo, a bubble pit, a free lunch, and many fun activities, all hosted by volunteers from the community.

The bubble pit was easily one of the most popular spots of the day! Kids and adults alike couldn't resist jumping in to cool off and have some good, clean fun. To ensure everyone stayed comfortable and safe, baby shampoo was used for the bubbles, helping to prevent any irritation for those who dove right in. Judging by the smiles and laughter, the bubble pit was a hit from start to finish!

Katie Flener and Kelsey Jaymes Lee sponsor this event. When Mrs. Katie Flener was asked, "Why?" she did not hesitate to answer with the most heartwarming response.

"Because of this boy right here. My nephew, Rhett." "We also wanted to give back to the community, and when we had the opportunity to participate a few years back, we took it. The following 3 years, we coordinated the entire event and have even added the Special Friends Christmas."

Generations of families have built Butler County, and their legacy of togetherness continues to shape who we are today. The Hood family is a prime example of this. "Our grandmother, Regina Hood, was one of the first in Butler County to work with children/young adults with special needs outside of the school system. She also served on the board of the library for many years and volunteered in a program designed to teach adult literacy through the libraries." Mrs. Flener has seemingly followed in her grandmother's footsteps, becoming an educator, mentor, and leader at BCHS.

All the local pageant queens gathered together to support Special Friends Day, and their presence didn't go unnoticed. They were greeted with cheers and excitement, quickly becoming the 'princesses' of the day in the eyes of so many attendees. With every smile, wave, and photo taken, they brought joy and made each guest feel seen and celebrated. They were a reminder that the crown isn't just a title, but is also demonstrated through kindness and community support.