The Student Council for Exceptional Children sponsored "Take a Buddy to the Fair" in the Bayou Building Feb. 28.

Special education students from 43 local elementary schools were invited to bring a general education student to UH-Clear Lake to enjoy games, cowboys and clowns.

"The kids get to meet and play with each other," said Grethelia Samuel, the Student Government Association representative for the Student Council for Exceptional Children. "The theme this year was the rodeo, and we had several activities for the children to take part in."

Groups of students were rotated in and out of Atria I and II to ensure that the fair would not become over crowded.

Games included a beanbag toss, musical squares and basketball. A clown and cowboys were on hand to talk to the kids. This year, students also had the opportunity to get their picture taken with their buddies on bales of hay.

"I liked taking pictures of the cowboy," said second grader Carin Bennett of Kohfeldt Elementary. "I got goldfish and played go fishing and throw the bean bags."

"I like the clowns, I liked fishing and I met a cowboy," added fourth grader Kayley Tait of Shadycrest Elementary.

Volunteers at the fair consisted of SGA members, primarily those who are majoring in education and special education. Volunteers contributed in a number of ways.

"We tried to get money donated to cover the cost of the prizes for the kids," said SGA representative Tanya Yeamans. "It's a lot of work setting up the booths and making sure there are enough volunteers to work in shifts."

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