Group holds barn dance at fairgrounds

WASHINGTON — A currently unnamed nonprofit formerly affiliated with the Tim Tebow Foundation held a barn dance and BBQ at the fairgrounds Friday night for people with disabilities.

“We have been doing this for a number of years, it started back in 2013 or 2014,” Chairperson Ann Williams said. “When COVID hit, we had to go virtual, and that doesn’t always work so well with our folks who have special needs … they were going to do that again this year and we decided not to do that, so we stepped away from the Tim Tebow foundation.”

Williams said it was a rewarding event to host.

“In our community, we really support them because they help in many ways,” she said. “This is just a way for us to give back to them … we’re excited that we’re able to do this again in-person. I don’t know who was more excited, them or us, the volunteers.”

Committee Member Daryll Carr said he agreed.

“I have a granddaughter who has a disability, and she has always enjoyed events like this,” he said. “Our church has been very active with people with disabilities and we enjoy helping … these individuals are limited in certain ways, but they come out to have a good time, dance and laugh and eat, and their smiles are great.”

Friends and volunteers dished up plenty of food before joining participants outside for the dance.

Donald Bicker, one of many participants, said he looked forward to the event.

“I like the fun and the dancing,” he said. “I get to see everybody that I don’t normally see.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com