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Offering entertainment for children with disabilities, the third annual Special Heroes Carnival was held on Oct. 17 at the Hollister Elks Lodge.
According to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 spokesman Bernie Ramirez, the event featured bronco towing, a dunk tank, pony ride, haircuts and a petting zoo.
“There’s something for every kid with any disability,” he said. “We have high school kids that stepped up to help out as volunteers to make sure nobody gets hurt. The community of Hollister has really come through.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was invited to participate in Hollister High’s Baler Buckaroo Rodeo and present the colors years ago, Ramirez said. They did so for three years and saw an increasing number of children with special needs, leading them to believe more could be done to support them.
“We needed more activities for them, so that is how it inspired me to create the Special Heroes Carnival,” he said. “We had booth information for the families and kids that want more programs for them and extra help that they can get with them.”
The carnival was held the first year at Veterans Memorial Park. Ramirez said he thought the site was unsafe for kids with disabilities.
“We reached out to the Hollister Elks Lodge,” he said. “They said absolutely, without hesitation. This year, they have really come through, helped advertise for us and given us the whole run of the place, I can’t thank them enough.”
Ramirez said he wants to put a big smile on the kids’ faces, and for them to have a good time for three hours.
Hollister resident William Lopez said the event is all about community.
“We have been coming to this for three years,” Lopez said. “My son Lucas Lopez wanted to do the dunk tank and just come say hi to everybody. He always loves to do the dunk tank every year.”
Hollister resident Anthony Villalon said it’s important to offer activities that are inclusive for all kids.
“I’m a part of the Hollister VFW post 9242, so we’ve been involved with the activity,” Villalon said. “We decided just to help out, volunteer a little bit, but also bring Jacob Villalon to enjoy the festivities as well.”
Mason Caldwell and Javier Alejandro Garcia playing a Halloween-themed carnival game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Kids visit the VFW Post 9242 booth. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Ella Nichols performs at the carnival. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Anne Talavera-Lopez plays the ring toss game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Kids playing the inflatable axe throwing game. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Susan Postigo playing with the fishes. Photo by Adam Bell. 
A rabbit at the carnival. Photo by Adam Bell.
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