Louisville organizations partner for sensory-friendly day at Kentucky State Fair

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Families of all abilities were able to enjoy the Kentucky State Fair on Wednesday morning.

Sensory Awareness Day was thanks to a partnership with FEAT of Louisville, Home of the Innocents, Kentucky Autism Training Center and Kissel Entertainment. For two hours, Thrill Ville, the midway at the fair, operated with minimal lights and music in an effort to create an enjoyable fair experience for people with sensory sensitivities.

Lindsay Eubanks, Family and Community Field Training Coordinator at Kentucky Autism Training Center, said the day gives families an opportunity to enjoy some of the fun parts of the fair without as much of a sensory overload.

IMAGES | Sensory Awareness Day held at Kentucky State Fair in Louisville

"It's important because it's the whole state, which is great because it's something we don't always get to do, have everybody together, and the autism community is so kind and loving and inclusive," Eubanks said. "It's good to have everybody together, especially on this awesome day."

Priscilla Vessels brought her children and friends to the fair on Wednesday morning so they could get the full experience.

"There are a lot of kids out there who maybe can't come to an event like this when there is a lot of noise and sound," Vessels said. "So it's really amazing that they're having this sensory-friendly time because we're able to be out here where he doesn't get overstimulated with all the lights and the noise, and there's less crowd."

The partnership between the local nonprofits allowed for free tickets to be offered to fairgoers.

"When you have kids who have special needs, sometimes it's difficult to do stuff that normal families do," Vessels said. "We're really enjoying time together and lower crowds, it's awesome."

The 2024 Kentucky State Fair continues until Aug. 25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The fair has hundreds of activities scheduled during its 11 days.

To learn more about the Kentucky State Fair, click here.

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