By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Jordan Williams, a first-grader at Alabaster’s Warrior Center for special-needs students, was initially scared to approach the massive catfish he and Warrior Center teacher Richard Sutton reeled in at the pond at Veterans Park on the morning of Oct. 19.

But in a few minutes the jitters were gone, as he had caught and helped throw back so many fish they didn’t seem scary anymore.

“Wow, you’ve got another one. Do you see it?” Fall Fling volunteer and former Alabaster Parks and Recreation director Ricky Nance said as he pointed toward ripples in the water.

“I see him!” Williams said as he smiled and pointed.

For Williams, the fishing station served as the highlight of the city’s annual Fall Fling, as he remembered how much fun he had last spring at Oak Mountain State Park’s “Gone Fishin’ not just Wishin’” event.

“He thought that’s what we were going to today, and he was very excited about it,” said Warrior Center teacher Tonia Jones. “It’s not exactly the same, but you can see he’s thoroughly enjoying it.”

Williams was one of about 150 students with special needs from the Shelby County and Alabaster school systems who had a fun-filled morning at the park during the Fall Fling, which is organized by the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department and is now in its 12^th year.

During the event, the students rotated around to seven different stations featuring activities such as face painting, carnival games, a drum circle and inflatable bounce houses.

City of Alabaster Senior and Therapeutic Manager Alicia Walters said the event gives students from the two school systems a chance to get together and meet new friends while enjoying activities they otherwise may not get to enjoy.

“It’s a great, fun event that gives them a chance to get outside and experience different things,” Walters said. “It’s an awesome privilege to put this event on, and seeing their smiles is the greatest reward I could ask for.”

In addition to volunteers from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Thompson High School and the Alabaster Arts Council, the following individuals and organizations served as sponsors for the event: Alabaster Arts Council, Angel Warriors Foundation, Alabaster Eye Care, A to Z Auto Repair, Brooklere Pharmacy, Cam Ward, Drummond Ventures, Express Tire and Auto, Kona Ice, Paul’s Diamond Center, United Logo, UPS Store Pelham, Vic Smith CPA and Walmart Neighborhood Market.