Music is in the air at Pleasant Acre Day School. Practice is under way, costumes are being fitted and bags are packed to attend the Mississippi Arts Fair for the Handicapped.

This event will take place in Hattiesburg at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center, Aug. 18-20.

To some people a few days in Hattiesburg may not seem like a big vacation, but to physically and mentally challenged students at Pleasant Acre it is an event they eagerly await year after year.

“That’s Entertainment” is the theme for this year’s annual event. Song, dance and drama highlight the celebration of the Mississippi Arts Fair. The festival provides a cultural forum in which citizens with disabilities share theatrical talents in the performing arts.

Teachers Mary Ann Foggo-Eidt and Judy Grimsley have worked all year with the students. Pleasant Acre’s theme this year is “Salute to Broadway.” They will be performing many Broadway tunes such as “Hello Dolly,” “Tomorrow” from “Annie,” “Give my Regards to Broadway,” “Do Re Me” from “The Sound of Music” and many more.

Arts Fair has been a feature of the State of Mississippi for 30 years and involves approximately 1,400 participants and volunteers. The event encourages persons with disablities to participate not only in performing arts before an audience, but also in social experiences of traveling, sightseeing, swimming and patronizing hotels and restaurants.

This is truly a life enriching experience for the students.

Sponsors are needed to help fund the trip to the Arts Fair. Persons wanting to contribute can mail donations to Pleasant Acre Day School, P.O. Box 136, Natchez, MS 39121.

Linda Barnett is a Pleasant Acre Day School parent.