SOKY Fair holds a day just for those with special needs

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-The SOKY Fair held a special event for special friends.

For the first time, the SOKY Fair held what is called Special Friends Day, where those with special needs had early entrance to the fair. People with the Kidz Club, the Buddy House and Barren River Adult Day Care were treated to lunch, in addition to full access to rides. SOKY Fair volunteer Carla Young said Special Friends Day was a great chance for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy the fair to do so.

“It’s just nice for a lot of these kids and adults that usually can’t come to the fair because of medical reasons, for them to be able to come out here and have a good time and for them to have people to take care of them in case there is an emergency, and just letting them know that they matter,” Young said.

Those who attended Special Friends Day called the experience fun and enlightening.

“I’m just glad that I can come and do this because it makes me feel a lot better when I get out and do stuff,” Michael Sorrels from the Barren River Adult Day Care said.

One of the unique features of Special Friends Day is that it gave everyone a chance to enjoy the fair without all of the stress and noise that comes with the fair experience.

Young said the main goal is to provide a safe experience.

“For them to be able to have a good time and to make sure that they’re safe, comfortable, and that they matter,” Young said.

For both the volunteers and those attending, Special Friends Day was an experience that takes the cake.

“It means everything. I’m so glad that they’re here having a great time. When they got here and said thank you for doing this and gave us hugs, it meant everything. It’s worth everything,” Young said.