Loxley Municipal Park was buzzing with activity Saturday, Oct. 21, as supporters of the Coastal Alabama Down Syndrome Society came together for the annual Buddy Walk.

Walk organizers needed to find a new venue for this year’s event, which typically takes place at USS Alabama Battleship Park. The change of venue was a hit for those in attendance. The 0.8-mile walking path that snakes through the park was the perfect place for teams to walk, groups expressed.

The Buddy Walk is the largest fundraiser for the Coastal Alabama Down Syndrome Society (CADSS), which serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Baldwin and Mobile counties. CADSS raises awareness of the inclusion and abilities of people with Down syndrome. Money raised through fundraisers like the Buddy Walk are used to host events for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to bond with and support one another as well as have fun.

This year’s fundraising goal of $75,000 was surpassed. This year’s walk raised $80,178, but that total could end up even higher after silent auction proceeds are added.

This year’s top five fundraising teams were:

• Luna’s Extraordinary League $13,883
• Sadie’s Squad $10,810
• P is for Prodigious $6,955
• Adventures with Chad $4,891
• Grayson’s Gang $3,810

Those in attendance enjoyed activities such as princesses and superhero meet-and-greets, dancing, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a silent auction and a free lunch provided by sponsors. The busiest and most enjoyed area was the dance party tent where the princesses, Dogwood Trail Court maids and superheroes joined walkers on the dance floor and the park playground.

Teams lined up for the much-anticipated Buddy Walk at 11 a.m. As walkers crossed the finish line, they received a medal and got a call out by event master of ceremonies Kyle McCartney, director of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Mobile Regional Center.

Organizers added a new aspect to this year’s walk by highlighting siblings to make them feel seen. Siblings were spotlighted with special green T-shirts, a tent with cozy bean bag chairs to hang out and Crumbl Cookies as they crossed the finish line.