As Elvis stopped singing about his “Blue Suede Shoes” and Lynyrd Skynyrd began crooning about “Sweet Home Alabama,” Jenny McDonald transitioned from a twist-like dance to a hand-clapping, rocking groove.

McDonald, 38, who is mentally impaired, was among about 100 people with physical or mental disabilities who gathered at Church of the Good Shepherd in Leo-Cedarville on Sunday for the annual Special Olympic Sock Hop.

The church hosts two annual events for Special Olympics Indiana athletes from Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Steuben, Wells and Whitley counties. While the spring dance is casual, a more formal prom-like event is held in the fall.

In addition to cookies, guests were treated to festive birthday cakes because Special Olympics Indiana is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Wearing colorful jewelry and a big smile, McDonald said it was the second year she’s attended the sock hop, and she enjoys dancing and meeting friends.

“I have two friends here who go to church camp with me,” McDonald said.

McDonald was among 11 Bluffton residents who attended Sunday’s event, according to Chris Thacker, 45, of Bi-County Services.

Thacker said those clients who attended last year’s were eager to return.

“They were excited. They wanted to make sure they were on the list to go,” Thacker said.

About 30 of the church’s youth group members help to organize and host the event as well as to provide special entertainment, which this year took the form of a “Blue Brothers”-style show.

Briana Owens, 21, of Leo-Cedarville, who leads the church’s youth ministry with her husband, said the dance offers middle and high school students the chance to get out of their comfort zone and be a “little wild.”

While she was in youth group, Owens said meeting and dancing with the Special Olympic athletes taught her the point is to have fun.

“I know for me personally it just taught me looks don’t matter,” she said. “Just to be myself anywhere, no matter who’s around.”

bmanley@jg.net