Western Fair District offers sensory-friendly event for children with special needs
On Wednesday, the Western Fair District made it possible for young children with special needs to have a comfortable and fun experience.
Organizers adjusted both the indoor and outdoor space at the district to be more sensory-friendly for children between the ages of 3-12.
“It's actually really good, I really like the horse rides and I really like the hotdogs, all the things,” said Chey, a young boy who came to the fair with his mother Caroline.
“It's been lots of fun, fewer lines, less hassle, and everyone is really friendly. It’s just awesome,” Caroline added.
The ‘Day of Dreams’ event has been running for the last 7 years, offering free lunch, rides, and entertainment for children and their families.
With less noise and smaller crowds, the space is tailored to fit each child’s needs and allows them to experience the fair at their own pace.
“It's a day that our staff get so excited about, you know, to see the smile on these children’s faces and their parents and caregivers,” said Greg Blanchard, Director of Equine Programming, The Raceway at Western Fair District.
“It's just so rewarding and it’s a day we love having every year,” he said.
“It's amazing to see the parents, their eyes watching their kids on the rides and not having to deal with the big crowds yet. And to be open early is special for them and it’s a beautiful thing,” said ‘Doo Doo’ the clown, who makes an appearance at the fair every year.
It was a special day for 500 locals who signed up, including Sandra and her 8-year-old son Ben, who has Down syndrome.
“It’s so amazing for us to be here and know that it's comfortable for us and everyone is the same as us,” Sandra said. “It’s so different and it's just, it’s amazing.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Police say toxic drugs are circulating through northeastern Ontario
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.