KINROSS — It was a special day for children and their family members at the Chippewa County Fair on Thursday.
For the past seven years, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with Skerbeck Amusements to host a day of the fair free of charge to children with special needs and their families.
“Uniquely Able Day” gave registered attendees free admission on selected rides from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fun was sensory-friendly, with slower rides and lower music levels. Volunteers also painted faces, handed out information and served up free lunch.
Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar said the event is fun, but also forms important connections between law enforcement and these kids.
“Anybody with special needs, we want them to already have a communication with us, so if they see us they won’t hide or run away. They will come to us. If we see them throughout the year, they know us right away,” said Sheriff Bitnar.
He estimated around 200 people participated in the event this year.