More than 400 kids and family members have two hours to themselves on games and rides
The Rotary Club of Hillsborough hosted a family fun day at its annual fair on Saturday exclusively for the local Special Needs and Autistic Community (SNAC).
The fair, located in the Hillsborough Promenade off Route 206, was enjoyed by the public from Tuesday through Sunday, but on Saturday it opened early from 2 to 4 p.m. for about 424 special needs and autistic children and their families. The day was totally free to attendees and their families.
The fair atmosphere was modified to help provide an enjoyable experience for the special attendees. Loud noises and flashing lights normally associated with fairs were reduced, and unlimited access was provided to the rides and carnival games.
Guidance and organizational help was provided by Leonore Johnston, director of special services in the Hillsborough School system; Hillsborough Township Administrator Anthony Ferrera, and Sherri Marino of the Autism Think Tank in Warren.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace. This year’s Rotary district theme is “Passion into Action,” and the district is focused increasing autism awareness, assisting families and supporting research.
The event was also attended by many local dignitaries who provided a hand, including state Sen. Kip Bateman, Assemblywoman Donna Simon, Mayor Frank DelCore, Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson and Committeeman Greg Burchette. Also in attendance was Dr. Tulsi R. Maharja, district governor of Rotary International District 7510, as well as Rotarians from other clubs of the district.
Many organizations helped in making the Family Fun Day, including: Weis Supermarket, Catered Affair, Angelo’s Pizza, Stavola Company, WJ Casey, Your Imprint Here, Mom’s Famous Zeppoles, Majestic Midways, Pallidan Amusements, Norz Hills Farm and Hillsborough Fire Company No. 3, Woods Road.
The Rotary Club of Hillsborough holds its dinner meetings every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at Pheasant’s Landing Restaurant.
For information on Rotary, visit www.hillsboroughrotaryclub.org .