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
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse
Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.
BREAKING London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed for the fourth straight day following a "cybersecurity incident."
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.