Smiles lit up the Peterborough Exhibition last week.
Children with special needs were guest hosts to the exhibition on Morrow Park in Peterborough during Special Needs Day — an opportunity for them to hop on the rides and relish the entertainment without the usual large crowds.
“It’s great for the kids to be with children who are like them,” said Deb Reed, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough.
“It’s great for the kids to have an opportunity to socialize and participate in the rides.”
Children also got to meet city police, paramedics and firefighters and had a chance to sit in the police vehicles and inspect the fire trucks.
“It’s our chance to meet with everybody, and provide fire safety messaging for all the kids and adults that attend,” said Deputy Fire Chief Chad Brown.
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Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough board member Andress Lacerda says the Special Needs Day allows children to enjoy the fair without the regular hustle and bustle. Many children don’t cope well in loud, crowded areas, she said.
“It’s great to have them included, and they feel comfortable coming in, because it’s not as loud,” said Lacerda.
“Also there’s not as many lines for them to wait at.”
This year marked the 172nd edition of the Peterborough Ex.
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