Wednesday was a special day for more than 300 kids and young adults at the Three Rivers Festival. It was a day set aside just for people with special needs to ride the rides, play a midway game or two and enjoy the carnival without the usual obstacles.
For children and adults with disabilities, being at a carnival can be quite a challenge. Those with autism, for example, may not be able to tolerate the noisy atmosphere. Someone in a wheelchair would not be able to access the rides without additional help, if at all.
At the special day, there were no concerns over holding up a line, no impatient ride operators, no rushing and lots of extra help, making the day a lot more fun for the entire family.
Helping out the public
Mara and Joe Offerman of Shorewood have two children with disabilities. Just getting the kids on and off the rides means one parent has to climb in and the other hands over a child.
“We are loving it, it’s quiet and easy to get around,” said Mara Offerman. “The ride operators have been great with the families, being patient and handing the kids to the parents.”
The event was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Channahon-Minooka, Morris and Joliet. McDonald’s Restaurant provided more than 300 Big Macs and burgers.
The Channahon Park District waived the pool fee for the morning and Fantasy Amusements provided the rides, games, prizes and the personnel.
“We enjoy doing this,” said Fantasy Amusement team leader and supervisor Rick Stanley. “The show’s owner Rick Johnson and the OABA (Outdoor Amusement Business Association) are behind us on this. It’s the kind of event that helps out the public.”
The day started out with a morning swim at the Tomahawk Aquatic Center in Channahon, then lunch under the big tent and finally an afternoon of carnival rides.
“There were tons and tons of kids swimming,” said Channahon-Minooka Rotary member Patrick Minor. “It was awesome.”
During lunch, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation among the participants as they looked forward to the carnival, said Arthur Hornsby, Morris Rotary member.
“Everyone was having a great time,” Hornsby said. “I volunteer a lot and today is one of the best things I have done.”
‘A lovely time’
This is the second year of the special event for people with disabilities, said event chair Mike Rittof of Joliet Rotary. Last year participation was at around 135, this year it rose to more than 300.
“We are having a lovely time,” said Illinois Valley Industries supervisor Jamie Cabada. “Last year we had 13 (participants) and this year it’s up to 26.”
Katie Malcolm, a graduate of the REACH program at Minooka High School, attended the event last year and was excited to come again. She even invited two of her friends to come along.
Friend Tom Zusag, also a REACH graduate, had just exited the Zero Gravity ride. “I’m a little seasick,” he said with a laugh.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for these guys that they normally would not have because of limited funds and being among other people,” said Katie’s dad, Mike Malcolm.
# As posted on internet: The Herald-News By Kris Stadalsky
August 14, 2011
At the special day, there were no concerns over holding up a line, no impatient ride operators, no rushing and lots of extra help, making the day a lot more fun for the entire family.
Helping out the public
Mara and Joe Offerman of Shorewood have two children with disabilities. Just getting the kids on and off the rides means one parent has to climb in and the other hands over a child.
“We are loving it, it’s quiet and easy to get around,” said Mara Offerman. “The ride operators have been great with the families, being patient and handing the kids to the parents.”
The event was sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Channahon-Minooka, Morris and Joliet. McDonald’s Restaurant provided more than 300 Big Macs and burgers.
The Channahon Park District waived the pool fee for the morning and Fantasy Amusements provided the rides, games, prizes and the personnel.
“We enjoy doing this,” said Fantasy Amusement team leader and supervisor Rick Stanley. “The show’s owner Rick Johnson and the OABA (Outdoor Amusement Business Association) are behind us on this. It’s the kind of event that helps out the public.”
The day started out with a morning swim at the Tomahawk Aquatic Center in Channahon, then lunch under the big tent and finally an afternoon of carnival rides.
“There were tons and tons of kids swimming,” said Channahon-Minooka Rotary member Patrick Minor. “It was awesome.”
During lunch, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation among the participants as they looked forward to the carnival, said Arthur Hornsby, Morris Rotary member.
“Everyone was having a great time,” Hornsby said. “I volunteer a lot and today is one of the best things I have done.”
‘A lovely time’
This is the second year of the special event for people with disabilities, said event chair Mike Rittof of Joliet Rotary. Last year participation was at around 135, this year it rose to more than 300.
“We are having a lovely time,” said Illinois Valley Industries supervisor Jamie Cabada. “Last year we had 13 (participants) and this year it’s up to 26.”
Katie Malcolm, a graduate of the REACH program at Minooka High School, attended the event last year and was excited to come again. She even invited two of her friends to come along.
Friend Tom Zusag, also a REACH graduate, had just exited the Zero Gravity ride. “I’m a little seasick,” he said with a laugh.
“This is a phenomenal opportunity for these guys that they normally would not have because of limited funds and being among other people,” said Katie’s dad, Mike Malcolm.
# As posted on internet: The Herald-News By Kris Stadalsky
August 14, 2011
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