The Arc of Pearl River County is hosting its 4th annual Intellectual and Development Disabilities Awareness Fun Day on March 28.

The event will be held at Poplarville’s City Park from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., that day.

According to the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, March is IDD Awareness Month and is an opportunity to recognize the connection between people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their communities.

Susette Morrow, president of Arc of PRC, said the event will provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, teachers and service providers to learn about the various resources available to them.

Morrow said the event is being organized in conjunction with the Robert Lott Community Home in Poplarville.

At the event, booths will feature information about the role of ARC, details about membership and sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, Morrow said.

The event will also feature dancing, crafts and face painting among other things.

Morrow said the event is expected to draw participation from several organizations in the community.

Students from Pearl River County Community College’s Cosmetology class will be present to provide manicure services to everybody interested, she said.

The Poplarville Fire Department will bring in one of their fire trucks, allowing people to hop on and see how it operates, Morrow said.  The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department are expected to show up with some of their K9 dogs and stage up an act showing how dogs are trained to sniff out drugs at a crime scene.

Everyone attending the event will be treated to barbeque cooked by representatives from Mississippi Power, Morrow said. Dominos Pizza in Poplarville will provide the pizza for the event.

Coast Electric and a local church in Poplarville will help set the tables and chairs at the venue, Morrow said.

Morrow said it would have been impossible to put on such a large event without the support of the volunteers. She said it is a challenge, but holding the event is important to create public awareness and inform parents about ways to properly care for children with disabilities.

“It’s my passion to help these individuals. They deserve to have fun and have a social life,” Morrow said.