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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.