Hundreds of children with special needs were treated to Western Fair’s Day of Dreams– a sensory-friendly private event where children and their families are able to enjoy the fair at their own pace.
Welcoming kids aged 3 to 12, the fair provided free lunch, rides at Kiddyland, entertainment, and tours at the Animal Barn. The fairgrounds were closed for three hours from 12:30PM to 3PM in order to create a less noise, smaller crowd environment.
“Well, Day of Dreams was developed almost 10 years ago now and it was a day to provide people that maybe otherwise wouldn’t get to come out and enjoy the fair. You know children that have sensory issues and that type of thing to come out and enjoy the fair like anyone else but in a more sensory friendly environment. So children can come out with family, their caretakers,” says Greg Blanchard, an organizer of the event. “It’s a day I know that our team here, our staff, really looks forward to.” he adds.
This year’s event featured sensory pods which are quiet spaces equipped with noise-cancelling headphones as well as calming activities to help fairgoers regroup before rejoining the festivities.
“Yeah, the sensory pods are just areas, designated areas throughout the fairgrounds where people that just want to get away from, you know, the sights and sounds of the fair and just, you know, be in a little more sensory friendly area for a period of time can do that. So we’ve got a couple of designated areas throughout the grounds.” says Blanchard.
The initiative continues to be a highlight of the Western Fair; offering families unforgettable memories who often face barriers at traditional fairs.
Watch the full interview with Greg Blanchard here:
