HAWLEY, PA — Little League Challenger baseball manager Alan Cooper plans to extend the “challenger” idea to an open mic night at the Hawley Silk Mill on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 5 p.m.

“We have Special Olympics, we have Challenger baseball, why not apply the same concept to the performing arts?” Cooper asked himself. The result is the first Open Mic Special, where the special needs population will have a chance to sing, recite, play an instrument, dance or engage in any other open-mic activity.

Bryan Cowan, a Wallenpaupack Area High School senior who wants to pursue a career in music, is supporting the program as part of his senior project. “As a musician being presented with the project really excited me,” Cowan said. “I wanted to take it a step farther though, so I started to ask around for additional support until I found a full band with a five-piece horn section.”

The event also has the support of Kim Emmet, owner of Community Vocational Services, an agency that serves the special needs population in Pike and Wayne counties. The AMSkier Agency is donating its time and money to make the event a success.

Admision is free, but donations are requested. Water, soda and light snacks will be sold. All proceeds will go to support the Special Olympics.

The doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Signups will begin at that time and continue to be available throughout the afternoon as time allows. For information call 570/296-7726, or 570/220 6594.