DEMING – For three hours during this year’s Southwestern New Mexico State Fair, the midway will become a little quieter and a lot more welcoming for children with special needs.
The Southwestern New Mexico State Fair will close to the general public from noon until 3 p.m. Thursday, October 8, for a special Low-Sensory Carnival Event designed specifically for children with special needs and their families.
Leslie Wilson with the Southwestern New Mexico State Fair told Deming News that Midwest Carnival contacted the fair board with the idea of holding the special event. The fair board agreed, setting aside three hours so participating children can experience the carnival in an environment designed with their needs in mind.
New Mexico State Representative Jennifer Jones and Sisbarro Superstore in Deming have provided free T-shirts for the children participating in the event. The shirts will serve as admission to the special three-hour program, with only participating children with special needs who have the provided T-shirts allowed to enter the fair during that period.
Midwest Carnival is providing free low-sensory carnival rides for the children. The afternoon will also include face painting, reading to the children, free books and other activities intended to create a fun and welcoming experience for participating children and their families.
Jones told Deming News that her experience as a nurse has given her an understanding of the additional care and support children with special needs may sometimes require.
She said children with special needs sometimes simply need a little more love and support, and that is exactly what organizers hope to provide through the event.
Parents and guardians who would like their child to participate must register and obtain the required free T-shirt through Play Sharity Children’s Museum, located at 301 South Tin Street in Deming. Play Sharity can be reached at 575-936-4055.
Organizers hope the three-hour event will give children who may find the lights, sounds, crowds and activity of a traditional carnival overwhelming an opportunity to enjoy the excitement of the fair in a more comfortable setting.
The Low-Sensory Carnival Event will take place from noon until 3 p.m. Thursday, October 8, during the Southwestern New Mexico State Fair. The fair will be closed to the general public during those three hours, allowing participating children and their families to enjoy the special rides and activities.
At 3 p.m., the fair and carnival will reopen to the general public.
John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications News – John@bravomic.com
