The 16th Annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival presented by Southern Eagle Distributing got under way Friday morning by giving special needs kids and their families some fun.

Tickets were donated to the children and their famliies by Kissell Entertainment. It's a tradition that dates back to 1998 and more than 100 area special needs kids and family members enjoy rides.

"I rode the Ferris wheel and it was fun," said Willow Smith, who attended with Amber Smith. Both are from Richmond Hill.

Festival organizers also put together a lunch for the children and their families.