The flashing lights, loud sounds and massive crowds can sometimes be too much for some people at the Iowa State Fair. Fairgoers who might otherwise find themselves over- or under-stimulated can once again partake in the fair’s sensory-friendly morning Wednesday.
Last year’s State Fair marked the first time a sensory-friendly morning was offered to fairgoers.
"We heard from family after family that last year was the first time their whole family could go and enjoy the fair because their children had an environment that they could be successful in and they can enjoy our wonderful state fair,” Teri Wahlig, ChildServe CEO, told the Des Moines Register.
Here is what you need to know about the one-time experience presented by ChildServe, which provides healthcare services to children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries and other special needs.
What is the Iowa State Fair sensory-friendly morning?
People with autism or sensory processing disorders can experience the fair designed with them in mind for one morning. Specific locations will reduce noise or motions, and experiences open before the general public enters to ensure smaller crowds. The morning includes calming rooms staffed by ChildServe occupational therapists. There will also be Spanish language interpreters and sign language interpreters present at the fairgrounds.
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What is the purpose of a sensory-friendly morning?
Sensory processing disorders affect "how the brain processes sensory information" such as sight, sound or texture, Wahlig said. Some sensory processing disorders cause an oversensitivity or an “under-sensitivity” to sensory input, Wahlig said. Either instance can cause a distressing environment that people may find difficult to manage. For example, a child overcome with sensory input may have a meltdown or a child with lower sensitivity to sensory input may have difficulties remaining still, she said.
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What activities are available during sensory-friendly morning at the Iowa State Fair?
Visit the Animal Learning Center from 8 to 9 a.m. for a quieter experience. There, fairgoers can watch the morning chores or snuggle with baby animals. The Animal Learning Center will open to the public at 9 a.m.
Guests can visit the Garden, located near Gate 16, to see fruit trees, vegetable gardens, a composting display or a display about the history of corn. People can do some picking at the garden from 8 to 10 a.m., and there will be sensory bins filled with seeds, dirt, flowers and more.
Over at the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club near the MidAmerican Energy Stage, all are welcome to make their own bead bracelets and weighted lap buddy from 10 to 11 a.m.
Fairgoers looking to hop on a ride during sensory-friendly morning can visit Thrill Town, east of Gate 10 and north of the Jacobson Exhibition Center lawn. Lights and sounds will be subdued for less stimulation.
Other activities include magic shows at the Fun Forest Stage, a sensory walk in Kids’ Zone and more. Visit the State Fair’s website to learn more about all the activities offered during sensory-friendly morning.
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Will there be a calming room this year?
The calming room will be at the same location as last year near the Administration Building and located at the Service Center.
Another calming room has been added in the Jacobson Exhibition Center, said Iowa State Fair CEO Jeremy Parsons. He said the room was so popular last year, the fair needed to add more space this year.
That location is divided into two sections — one designed for a lower stimulation environment and the other for individuals seeking more sensory input, a place where people can jump, walk and get moving, Wahlig said.
Calming rooms will be staffed by ChildServe occupational therapists on Wednesday through 4 p.m. The air-conditioned space offers adjustable lighting, sensory fidgets, comfortable chairs and more to help fairgoers calm down.
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What time is the Iowa State Fair sensory-friendly morning?
The sensory friendly morning will be held Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon.
Entrances to the Fairgrounds open at 8 a.m., so there will be fairgoers present who are not participating in sensory-friendly morning activities.
Will there be another sensory-friendly morning during the 2023 Iowa State Fair?
No.
Calming rooms will be open throughout the fair but not staffed as it will be on Wednesday. The State Fair does has a guide online to other locations that can provide a sensory-friendly experience during the fair's run.
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Are there any costs to the sensory-friendly morning?
The only cost involved would be fair admission, which is $16 for anyone 12 and older and $10 for children ages 6 to 11.
Editor's Note:This article was updated with the correct location for the Garden.
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Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her atPBarraza@registermedia.comor follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
