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The first annual Carnival of Special Heroes, featuring booths, games, and activities for children with special needs, was held at Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister on Aug 30. The event was put on by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 and the VFW Auxiliary

The event featured 45 activities for kids who were invited to participate and came with their special-needs class or county program. An estimated 300 people showed up. 

The Carnival is designed to bring awareness to the community of how many special needs kids we have in San Benito County, said VFW member Bernardo “Bernie” Ramirez.

  • Lilianne Diaz and Liam Diaz got new backpacks at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Lilianne Diaz and Liam Diaz got new backpacks at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Darth Revan, Mara Jade, and Kylo Ren are at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Darth Revan, Mara Jade, and Kylo Ren at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Joe Ortiz, Adam Mendolla, Gary Hosman, Bernie Ramirez, Rene Arbizu and Dave Lopez is at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Joe Ortiz, Adam Mendolla, Gary Hosman, Bernie Ramirez, Rene Arbizu and Dave Lopez at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Miguel, Logan, Wyatt and Douinic Zaneua & k9 Bayles are at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Miguel, Logan, Wyatt and Douinic Zaneua & k9 Bayles are at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • People are having lunch at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    People enjoying lunch at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Scottlyn Garcia is playing in the sand at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Scottlyn Garcia is playing in the sand at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
  • Leila Romer is playing Hula-hoop at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Leila Romer and her hula-hoop at the Carnival of Special Heroes. Photo by Adam Bell.

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I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...