A Plymouth County family is honoring the memory of their daughter, sister and aunt, Gwen Grage, with a carnival for the special needs people of Plymouth County this Saturday, March 29.

The event, hosted by the Gary and Rosie Grage family and held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Club in Le Mars, is for special needs individuals of all ages. This is the second year for the social event.

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"Our family hosted a carnival last year and we had a nice crowd," said Gary Grage. "Everyone who attended had a ball."

There is no charge to attend the carnival.

"Our family donates the prizes and food," Grage explained.

Games such as bean bag toss, the fish game and other easy carnival games will be played.

"The best part is, everybody wins a prize," Grage said. "Some of these individuals have never played these games."

Each of the five Grage children, along with spouses and grandchildren, run a game for the event.

The Grage's daughter, Gwen, was a special needs person who died unexpectedly at the age of 32 in September 2006. She made her home at the Pride II Group Home in Le Mars and had worked at Life Skills Training Center for 11 years.

"Gwen would have loved this carnival," Grage said. "She loved people and was always happy."

She participated in the Special Olympics and loved to be with her family, music and dancing, and is described as a very friendly and outgoing individual.

"We knew we wanted to keep involved with this special group of people," Grage said. That's when the family decided to sponsor the carnival.

"It's a great social time for them and no money is needed," Grage said.

The supper will be served at 5 p.m. and the event will conclude with a dance.

The family has also received donations from several businesses and friends.

Anyone with questions may contact the family at 712-378-3506.