THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR IS LAUNCHING A “SENSORY-FRIENDLY” INITIATIVE THIS YEAR. 

THE STATE FAIR CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY, AUTISM OR P-T-S-D. THAT’S WHY THE FAIR WILL HAVE “SUNFLOWER HOURS” ON THE MORNING OF SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH, WHERE THEY WILL TONE DOWN CERTAIN PROGRAMS TO CREATE A CALMER ENVIRONMENT. THERE WILL ALSO BE A SILENT DANCE PARTY AND CARNIVAL RIDES WILL RUN WITHOUT THE USUAL BRIGHT LIGHTS AND LOUD SOUNDS DURING THAT TIME SAYS FAIR MANAGER REBECCA CLARK.

CLARK SAYS THEY WANT THE EVENT TO BE INCLUSIVE, AND NOT TOO OVERWHELMING FOR THOSE WITH AUTISM, ANXIETY AND P-T-S-D.

THE SENSORY STATION WILL BE LOCATED IN THE EMMERSON BUILDING. THE FAIR KICKS OFF THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH IN SPRINGFIELD.