Paris in Pike is April 1

Fashion and fun will be the focus of the fifth annual Paris in Pike fashion show set for 7 p.m. Friday, April 1 at the Pike County Middle School. There will be more than 35 participants with various disabilities in the show sponsored by the Pike County Navigator Team. There is no entry fee but donations are accepted to fund future Paris in Pike events and help local families with children with disabilities.’The whole purpose of the show is to make each kid feel like a superstar,’ said organizer April Cobb. ‘They each get to go on a shopping trip to choose the outfit that they will wear in the show and they are allowed to keep it afterwards. At the show, they walk the red carpet and the crowd cheers for them. Some of the students will sing when they have their turn on the red carpet. This is always the highlight of the show!’Last year’s event raised more than $1,000 and the funds were used to support this year’s program and also allowed the Pike County Navigator Team to purchase eight smart boards for special education classrooms. ’Many of the wonderful businesses in Pike and surrounding areas have donated awesome prizes for raffles and silent auctions during the event,’ said Cobb. ‘We will also have a photo booth. All proceeds will go to help special needs students and their families. Donations are always appreciated. All of the money raised stays in the county and only goes to help children with disabilities and their families.’The first Paris in Pike fashion show was an idea that three local students – Scarlett Mullis, Abbi Hood and Ashleighanna Johnson – made a reality in 2012 when they were in fifth grade. The fashionable fundraiser raised funds for local children with disabilities while giving them a chance to be in the spotlight and enjoy a night all about them. ’I think the community enjoys the show as much as the children do. It celebrates the best qualities of some of the sweetest souls in Pike County and brings together parents, teachers, friends and business owners for a fun night,’ said Cobb. ‘This show was the idea of three little girls who are now in high school. I love that they get to see their dream come to life and grow bigger and better every year. I hope that this encourages other high school students to pursue their interests.’Anyone with questions can call April Cobb at 770-468-1612.