Upcoming 4-H Fair will offer sensory room for quieter option

Press Release, Orleans County 4-H Fair

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is pleased to announce the addition of a Sensory Room at this year’s fair, made possible through a grant from Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, part of the Orleans County Health Department.

The Sensory Room will be located in the back half of the Harrington Classroom in the Education Center. This space is designed to give fairgoers a quieter, more comfortable place to take a break during the fair.

The room will include access to wheelchairs, wagons, strollers, noise-cancelling headphones, sensory tents, dimmable lights, small fidgets, swivel and wave chairs, and a sensory path. Some items may be used outside of the room on the fairgrounds. A deposit as well as a valid id will be required for items that leave the room, such as wagons or wheelchairs.

In addition to the Sensory Room, sensory bags will also be available for fairgoers thanks to a donation from Cobblestone Federal Credit Union. These bags include fidgets and other small sensory tools that can be used throughout the fairgrounds to help children and youth feel more comfortable while enjoying the fair.

“We want the fair to be a welcoming place for as many families as possible,” said Kayla Dengler, Community Contests Chair and Fair Committee Member. “This grant and donation help us offer extra support for children, youth, and families who may need a calmer space or helpful equipment while enjoying the fair.”

The Orleans County 4-H Fair will take place July 27 through August 1 at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Fairgoers are encouraged to stop by the Sensory Room during fair week as needed.

For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at 585-798-4265, email orleans@cornell.edu, or visit orleans4-hfair.com.