The Town of Hempstead just held its 45th Camp ANCHOR celebration at Lido Beach.

Camp ANCHOR is a year-round recreation program for children and adults with special needs.

More than 600 people attended the celebration, which holds a special place in the hearts of its attendees.



"I've been here since I was 4 years old," said Damien Gallo, of Wantagh. "This is like the biggest thing in the world for kids to come around and see the smiling faces. Camp Anchor is our Disney World."

There was a police presence at the celebration, but it was a welcome one. Officers flipped burgers, sat in a dunk tank and even thrilled the crowd with a landing of the police helicopter. Guests even got to see a police motorcycle and meet Jeffrey the police horse up close.

"I gave him a kiss," Taylor Hand told News 12 Long Island. "I was very brave. He was very nice."