The National Cherry Festival hosted the Special Cherry Kids’ Event where people of all abilities were able to participate at different stations. They were able to get their face painted, ice cream, bounce in the bounce house and of course ride the rides.
The Arc of Manistee had a group at the event, Carol Rackow has a daughter who is a camper.
“It’s a group that I’m, deals with, people with disabilities,” Rackow said, “Anybody that is, out of school, that’s our main focus, because in school, they can go to school till 26, and then we don’t have anything except for art. It’s just a, a chance for them to get together. And in fact, last year I asked the campers what their favorite part about camp was and they said, just hanging out with my friends.”
The Special Cherry Kids’ event is great way for people with disabilities to experience the National Cherry Festival.
“We love coming up here because it’s free. Everybody’s here and everyone’s comfortable being here and safe. And so we like that,” said Rackow.
Jennifer Chritz, a camper with Arc of Manistee looks forward to this day each year. She had ice cream and was able to ride her favorite ride the bumper cars.
“I love this. Our camp comes here every year,” said Chritz. “I want them to treat us with respect. Give us a chance. And because if they don’t, they’re missing out on meeting really special people.”
Another participant in the event is Emily Longcore. She went to the ice cream station, had a balloon wiener dog made for her, and bought her sister a gift at the giftshop.
“This is a good, upper opportunity for us to get out and do stuff that we don’t usually do, “said Longcore. “Because there might not be anything that exciting to do during the summer. I’m excited that I’m finally on TV.”
The fair was shut down to the public so it wasn’t overstimulating for the participants. The lights were dimmed, music was low and the rides were slower.
“I just, think it’s so important because sometimes they feel like they don’t belong anywhere,” said Rackow. “And so, for them to have a chance to be a part of this is pretty amazing. And like a lot of people think, oh, it’s Cherry Festival, so congested, but this day, because it’s for just them, it’s manageable and everyone’s really kind and it’s exciting to be here.”
Rackow says that everyone loves this event because the event gives people with disabilities a space to be themselves.
“So it’s just it’s a big deal for them,” Rackow said. “I think people just need to know that everybody has a right to be where they’re accepted and loved and have a good time. And if there’s some issues, it’s okay because we can all live through them and be accepting of everyone.”