Several hundreds kids had the experience of a lifetime when Edmonton’s annual summer midway was opened up early just for them.
About 500 special needs children took in Monday Morning Magic: a private event at K-Days that allows the kids and their families to experience the fair at their own pace, before it opens to the general public.
READ MORE: Edmonton’s K-Days by the numbers
Tammy Odonoghue brought her daughter Makayla and son Ethan.
“He’s good. He’s six years old and was born with Down syndrome. Had a couple of surgeries but is doing good, and is going into grade one this year,” Odonoghue said while an excited Ethan chattered away beside her, antsy to be done with the interview and get down to business.
“Oh he loves going on rides. He’s really looking forward to going on the big slide,” Odonoghue explained, with Ethan echoing in agreement. “This ride,” he enthused, pointing to the giant yellow Kiwanis Club of Edmonton slide – a permanent attraction at Northlands.
Local celebrities, heroes from the RCMP and Edmonton police, members of the Edmonton Eskimos cheer squad, athletes from the Oil Kings, and even some princesses joined the kids as they went on rides and played midway games together.
“This is just a really great chance for the kids to come be kids at the fair. Which is what, really, it’s all about,” Northlands manager of public relations Lori Cote said.
Monday Morning Magic allows the children to have fun in a safe and controlled environment, without all the hustle and bustle of the regular crowds.
“It’s great because Ethan doesn’t like waiting in line. He doesn’t like standing around doing nothing, so it will move faster because there’s not as many people,” Odonoghue said.
It’s the 39th year of Monday Morning Magic.
K-Days is one of Edmonton’s biggest summer festivals. Last year 785,290 people enjoyed the music, rides, food and shopping at the 10 day long event.
READ MORE: K-Days 2015 attendance highest in 10 years
K-Days runs until July 31, 2016.
More to come…
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