Contributed ALL INCLUSIVE – Jefferson County Fair will hold its third-annual Inclusion Night on Aug. 19, giving disabled individuals access to fair offerings including food and games on the midway, rides, and exhibits. For more information, contact Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community and Public Relations Specialist Cookie West at (740) 264-5812, Ext. 2118, or email awest@jcbdd.com.

SMITHFIELD — The Jefferson County Fair will once again open its doors for Inclusion Night festivities Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Now in its third year, the event gives community members with developmental and intellectual disabilities a chance to visit the fairgrounds in Smithfield and have access to the midway, rides and 4-H animal and other exhibits. The exact time is still being finalized but is scheduled during a period when attendance is lighter so participants can enjoy the experience in a more comfortable setting.

Fair board President Ray Hildebrand said he is pleased to see continued participation in the event.

“Last year, they had a pretty good presence,” he said. “We opened up the fair to individuals who might need less of a crowd due to sensory or mobility needs, and it’s free.”

Hildebrand said he was inspired by a family member who worked with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“I had an uncle who drove the bus for the School of Bright Promise and got to talking to him and the kids. I thought it would be nice to have them come to the fair,” Hildebrand said. “I wanted to give them a chance to come and enjoy the rides and fairgrounds. I think it’s something nice to give them a day at the fair. This fair is for everybody. It’s not just for 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the FFA; it’s for everybody in the county. To see their smiles is wonderful. They wouldn’t normally get to come, so to give them that experience makes it worth it to me.”

He brought the idea to fair board officials and approached Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Michael Zinno, who supported the plan.

Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and PALS Adult Day Program participants have taken part in food, games, rides and exhibits. The board has also provided an adult changing station to improve accessibility.

Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community and Public Relations Specialist Cookie West thanked Hildebrand for helping create the event.

“We are thrilled about Inclusion Night and the county fair board’s commitment to considering all residents of Jefferson County, including those with disabilities, and creating an inclusive space,” West said. “We thoroughly enjoyed last year’s event, and it was the first time for some of them to attend. They relished the food, rides and the opportunity to share in the experience.”

She said participants are looking forward to this year’s event.

This year’s fair theme is “250 Years of America’s Freedom,” and events throughout the week include tractor pulls, musical acts, a demolition derby, cheer and dance competitions, a car cruise-in and amusement rides.

Plans are also underway for the third annual Special Olympics Unified Livestock Show in the livestock arena. Participants will be paired with mentors from 4-H and FFA organizations to show animals in an inclusive event and will receive banners and ribbons at the conclusion.

The program is being organized by Edison High School student Amelia “Mimi” Ault with support from Jeffco Services Inc., the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the fair board and Special Olympics Ohio.

Individuals interested in attending Inclusion Night may contact West at (740) 264-5812, ext. 2118, or awest@jcbdd.com

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