LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Fairgrounds were a little quieter Thursday as the fair hosted its second Sensory Day.
The event was created last year to give fairgoers and families a less stimulating environment, with fewer crowds and less noise.
Organizer Haley Hemker worked with Fair Manager Troy Elwer to start the event. Hemker said she has a personal connection to the cause because her sister has special needs.
“I got started back in 2024 officially. My sister is special needs, and I've always just done what she does. And I've always wanted to help out with whatever she was in. And I wanted to do more.”
Thursday's activities included a resource fair and a livestock clinic, giving fairgoers a chance to meet some of the animals being shown by 4-H members.
Fair board member Malania Hershey said she enjoys seeing the reactions from those who participate.
“I really love doing this. I do like seeing their reactions and it just makes them happy and that's what it's all about. So it's just a fun thing. I did this last year and I enjoyed it.”
Several groups also returned this year to enjoy the fair in a more comfortable setting.
Kristy McPheron, a direct support professional with Marimor Industries, said the event gives the organization's individuals an opportunity to enjoy the fair at their own pace.
“We do it every year. It's something awesome for our individuals to get out and enjoy what everybody else can enjoy at their level and what they like to do. Some of them were scared, some of them were out of their comfort zone, but they could wait until they were ready to do it, which is nice because we don't want to force them to do anything, but they get to wait and see if it was something that they were ready for, and it's good for them.”
Organizers say they hope to continue growing Sensory Day and improve it each year while inspiring other county fairs to offer similar programs.
Hemker said it's encouraging to see the initiative grow here at home.
“It's really neat to see this get started in our own county as well as surrounding counties. It's neat to see the sensory days and more adaptive programs are happening.”
