RHINEBECK – The Dutchess County Fair once again participated in “ThinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday”. Individuals with developmental disabilities and their families enjoyed the Dutchess County Fair ahead of the crowds with a special early gate opening at 9:00 a.m. and sensory-sensitive hours throughout the morning on the carnival midway from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
“It is important for all to be able to enjoy the allure the fair provides and being able to include sensory-friendly offerings is best of all. We thank the Dutchess County Agricultural Society and the entire Dutchess County Fairgrounds team for their continued commitment to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ and their collaboration on this inclusive event,” Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said.
Molinaro, the proud father of an autistic daughter noted that as exciting as the sights and sounds of the midway are a big draw, but pose issues for some individuals. “For individuals and families with developmental disabilities, however, the lights, sounds, and crowds can make it difficult, particularly for those with sensory processing issues, to enjoy all the Dutchess County Fair has to offer. The flashing lights and loud music, in addition to waiting on lines for rides, can cause stress and anxiety.”
The midway area opened at 9:30 a.m. and was once again “sensory sensitive” until noon. The flashing lights, music, and other sounds and noises were turned off throughout the morning for those impacted by sensory processing issues, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the rides without the drawbacks that lights and sounds can cause. The early midway opening also meant fewer people and little to no waiting time for the carnival rides, making it easier for individuals who need extra time or have difficulty with the distractions of crowds.
Throughout the morning, ThinkDIFFERENTLY ambassadors were walking around the fair answering questions and giving out information. Noticeable in their bright blue shirts, these ambassadors invited fairgoers to chat with them and ask questions at any time.
For the second year, Dutchess County ThinkDIFFERENTLY staff and ambassadors along with Dutchess County Parks and the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Dutchess County’s 4-H program for children with special needs will be stationed at the Fair all week long to provide information and resources for families and individuals and help answer any questions at the new ThinkDIFFERENTLY/4-H tent, located at the bottom of Livestock Hill next to the Dutchess County Dairy Committee milkshake booth, near the Gate 2 entrance.
