NORWAY, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Dickinson County Fair kicked off with an exciting twist, as families of children with sensory disorders were granted a unique and serene experience. Among them, Brooke Fellner and her ten-year-old son Zander eagerly anticipated the festivities, particularly the exhilarating Himalayan ride, and the big slide.
For the first two hours of the fair’s opening, gates remained closed to the general public, marking the debut of “Au-Some Friends of the Fair”, spearheaded by the fair board. Approximately 15 families joined this year’s event, embracing the opportunity to revel in the fair’s attractions without the discomforting glare of harsh lights and the deafening cacophony of loud noises. As an extra treat, each family was presented with commemorative T-shirts made by Norway Mercantile and goody bags made up by the Salvation Army.
Brooke Fellner, mother to ten-year-old Zander, expressed her appreciation for this thoughtful endeavor. She remarked, “It’s a great opportunity for people with special needs, especially because they don’t generally get to. Like, it’s not something that people consider. A lot of kids are sensitive to sound and have sensory problems, and they can’t come out and enjoy it, so it gives them a few hours of time to be able to.” Zander enjoyed sorting through seeds in the botanical exhibits, and got to feed a horse. He expressed his excitement to eat an elephant ear, and to get on his favorite ride: the Himalayan. He was among the brave, and was even willing to give the big slide a try.
With the resounding success of this year’s event, the fair board aims to extend its warm invitation to even more awesome families in the upcoming years. As the fair continues through the holiday weekend, Youth Day promises a full day of enjoyment, running from 1:00-11:00 P.M with a notable Dove release at 3:00 P.M. Central, ensuring the celebration is open to everyone in Dickinson County. For more information about the Dickinson County fair, visit:
