Monday Morning Magic is a special day that many in Edmonton look forward to every year. The event sees kids with special needs take over the K-Days midway before the gates open to the public.
Hundreds of kids between the ages of three and 12, along with their families, got the park to themselves Monday morning. Some local celebrities and heroes, including members of the Edmonton police, RCMP and Edmonton Eskimos cheer team, also joined in the fun.
The event creates a subdued midway experience for children who may be overwhelmed by the regular noise and crowds.
Tessa Bradley was at the fare with her husband and daughter, Zoey. They’ve attended Monday Morning Magic for a couple of years now and say it’s a welcoming environment.
“The kids, when they do get overwhelmed and they need to have a quiet spot, there is a quiet spot. In this particular group of people, no one is looking at you different because your child is having some problems,” Bradley said.
“The sounds, too much noise, the fact that she would want to go and try something, change her mind and want to come out. Pushing, running — all of that was too much, too overwhelming — so this is great.”
Watch below: Margeaux Maron speaks to members of the Edmonton Eskimos cheer team and EMS about their part in Monday Morning Magic.
About 500 kids experienced the midway during Monday Morning Magic this year. The event is now in its 42nd year.
Victoria Crocker has a disorder called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and started attending Monday Morning Magic when she was six years old. When she turned 12, she wanted to give back and ensure other kids like her had an amazing experience, so she’s been volunteering at the event for four years.
“When I was younger, I loved it when they had the Disney princesses and being able to go into the ambulances and getting to experience that,” she said.
“These people were here for me and also for other people. I got to have a lot of fun doing it… I want to make sure that other kids are having that special day.”
This year’s K-Days festival kicked off Friday with a parade through downtown. The 10-day event wraps up on Sunday.