Jolene Shannon-Martell of Sharon and her 2-year-old daughter Brianna celebrated the girl's birthday amidst several clowns, lots of pumpkins, plenty of finger foods and a host of friends.

However, it wasn't the typical birthday party with hats and party favors; Ms. Shannon-Martell, her sister Monica and Brianna celebrated at the Fall Family Fun Fest.

The event was held Saturday at Munnel Run Farm in Mercer.

The Midwestern Local Interagency Coordinating Council, which serves special-needs children from birth to 5 years old, sponsored the event, said Melissa Young, Mercer County's early intervention coordinator.

Some type of annual family event is usually held in the summer, but this marked the first time the yearly activity has been held in the fall.

Families were treated to an outing that included face- and pumpkin-painting, a storyteller, wagon ride, catered picnic lunch and a tour of a fish hatchery, Ms. Young said.