Crossroads Fest To Have a "Special Needs Pre-Party!"

Friday, August 2, 2013 will be a special day at the 37th Annual Crossroads Fest in Shorewood.  It’s the day that the          “Carnival Pre-Party” has hours from 2-4pm set aside just for people with special needs to ride the rides, play a midway game or two and enjoy the carnival without the usual obstacles.

For children and adults with disabilities, being at a carnival can be quite a challenge. Those with autism, for example, may not be able to tolerate the noisy atmosphere. Someone in a wheelchair would not be able to access the rides without additional help, if at all.

At the Carnival Pre-Party , there are no concerns over holding up a line, no impatient ride operators, no rushing and lots of extra help, making the day a lot more fun for the entire family.

 “This is a party for the whole family, not just the individual who needs special assistance” said Denise Schmidt, Chamber President and Fest Co-Chair. “We want all of the families from the Shorewood area who attend the Fest to have memories for a lifetime. In order to make sure that appropriate assistance is available on the Fest grounds and that rides, games, prizes and personnel are ready for our guests, we will require a reservation to attend. Just give the Chamber office a call at 815-725-2900 or register online by going to   CrossroadsFest.com “.

This is the first year that the Crossroads Fest Pre-Party is being offered.  These hours are being sponsored by the Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce and Windy City Amusements with special assistance from the Shorewood Police Dept. &  Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, Shorewood HUGS, Rotary Club of Shorewood, the Shorewood Kiwanis Club and EmbroidMe. Various members of the Chamber have "adopted" rides this year to help everyone in Shorewood enjoy the Fest.