It was a pirate’s life Tuesday for the special needs children of Selma and Dallas County as the Selma Convention Center was turned into a ship in honor of the sixth annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Classic Luncheon.

“It’s makes me smile to see that they’re enjoying it,” said Selma Mayor George Evans. “If they’re happy then I’m happy, and that’s what it’s all about, to bring joy to them that they might be able to say that they had a time out in order to just have fun.”

The children danced, played and even had the opportunity to watch a magic show at the pirate-themed party. During the show, various children were called up on stage to take part in the magic. After the last abracadabra, the children were surprised to see Sparky the Selma and Fire Rescue Dog make an appearance and bust a few moves on the dance floor.

“I think it’s a marvelous time for them just to have a certain amount of freedom away from the school environment and have fun and socialize with other kids who also have special needs as they do,” Evans said. “I think it’s exciting for them to be out and have freedom in a safe environment.”

Evans said the annual event is a good way of reminding the children of how much they mean to those around them and showering them with nothing but fun.

“It just means so much to the children and to the teachers and to the programs that happen in our city,” Evans said.

“These young people [were able to] come out and have fun away from the school, classroom and home environment. Just dance and have different events take place.”

As a former educator himself, Evans said it’s important to give back to the children and hosting the event is definitely something he wants to continue to do.

“This is one of my favorites. The special needs program is one of my favorites … because these people may be overlooked in some situations but they’re just as a part of society as we are. They have a place in society, and they all need to be treated like that,” Evans said.

“Even though they may have special needs, they’re still kids that can make a special contribution to society and to this world. They’re gifted and talented just like any other child.”