Story By MARY BAILEY

Each year Spencer’s Friends works with the Boaz VFW Post 6837/Marshall County Fairgrounds for a Sensory Friendly Fair for children with special sensory needs.

On Thursday, almost a dozen families and their little ones were able to visit the fairgrounds with no flashing lights, no loud music and low smell sensitivity so they could enjoy the rides and sites of the fair.

Rebecca Stracener Kelley of Albertville was one of the many parents who brought her children to the special evening. 

“For a family with multiple kiddos with varying special needs the opportunity to attend this event is amazing,” Kelley said. 

“We have been able to participate for the past several years. It has allowed us to enjoy the fair as a family in a way we would never be able to on a regular open night. By limiting the sounds, lights, smells, and crowds our kids can experience the fair just like any other child. The memories of the smiles, excitement, and giggles will forever be some of my favorites.”

Patricia Reliford Moore who started “Spencer’s Friends”, named after her son Spencer, who has special needs, is proud to help not only her son but other families enjoy the gift of just being a kid.

“I appreciate the members of the Boaz VFW and fair staff who work with me each year to provide the opportunity that allows me to organize the event to ensure our families are able to enjoy the fair when it is in town,” Moore said. “Our precious friends at the VFW also made backpacks with sensory goodies inside for all our participants.”

Inside each backpack was different sensory toys including bubbles, chalk, coloring books, stickers and fidget toys.

When the fair comes back to the Boaz VFW in the fall, Spencer’s Friends will have a second sensory friendly fair for older children with special sensory needs.

For more information on Spencer’s Friends or the upcoming fall sensory friendly fair, visit their Facebook page.