LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The fair turned down the lights and lowered the volume to help make the environment more welcoming for folks who might find the usual fair atmosphere overwhelming.
Participants and their families got to experience the fair in a new way on Thursday afternoon, with rides and games designed for a calmer, more welcoming atmosphere.
"We have some sensory-friendly events going on on the midway - we have some of the rides open and they're not turning on lights or music today, so it's going to be very quiet," said Haley Hemker with Special Friends of Northwest Ohio. "We have a couple of the games that are open as well, no flashing lights and no loud sounds."
Along with the rides and games, families could explore the resource fair and learn more about local organizations who work with individuals with special needs. Also new this year was the mobile sensory room, borrowed from the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
"They wrote a grant and received a grant to have this mobile space," said Rachael Staley with the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. "They were more than willing to let us borrow their space for the day. We're very excited because part of this space for the Allen County Fair, there's going to be a designated sensory area for individuals and families. It's not done this year, but it will be done next year. This kind of gives people a sneak peak at what's going to be coming, and a space that will be permanent here at the Allen County Fair."
Staff and caregivers say the day was about making everyone feel included.
"I think it is important to let these individuals know that we see them, and that they are seen and valued, and that they're just as important as anybody else who comes out to the fair," Hemker said. "They can really come out and enjoy the fair for a day. People aren't bumping into them, and there's not a big crowd, there's not a lot of sounds or bright, flashing lights. It's neat to see that everybody will be included today."
And for these fairgoers, the day was all about fun.
"The smiles tell it all - they're having the time of their life, and it's just a great day," said Lisa High with Bittersweet Farms.
With such a positive turnout, organizers say they're trying to make Sensory Day a tradition at the Allen County Fair.
