GIRARD - The 12th annual special needs Winterfest Dance is being held from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mahoning Country Club, 710 E. Liberty St.
Jeanne Constantino, special education teacher at East High School in Youngstown, said the dance is held for students in the tri-county area and includes dinner, dancing and crowning of the Snow Prince and Princess.
A photographer is scheduled to take photos of the students with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves.
''This is a way for our special students to experience socialization and a fun-filled night with their peers from other communities. This will be an evening of music, fun and excitement. ... We are excited that the dance continues to be an annual event,'' she said.
The dance is open to all high school age students with multiple, orthopedic and/or developmental disabilities. She said a drawing will be held for the dance court with the names randomly drawn from each school's tickets.
Constantino said parents will be welcome from 4:30 to 5 and 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. so that the students can have the opportunity to interact with students from other school districts.
Dress is semi-formal for the students. No sweatpants, sweatshirts, jeans, shorts, school uniforms or tennis shoes (unless medically necessary) are allowed.
There is no charge but reservations must be made by calling Constantino at East High School, 330-740-4005, Ext. 4146; or email jeanne.constantino@youngstown.k12.oh.us or jconstantino1@neo.rr.com.