NORTH MANKATO — Not everyone loves a crowd.
Despite Fun Days packing in participants during its five-day stint at Wheeler Park, some attendees appreciate a quieter approach to having fun. That is why, on Friday, Fun Days allocates two hours of carnival and bingo experience specifically for those with special needs.
The event, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kept nearly every ride, concession stand and attraction open for individuals with special needs and their families.
Pat Buley, co-chair of the North Mankato Knights of Columbus, helped run the bingo tent where prizes were being awarded left and right. He said that those with special needs are some of the most excited to participate and enjoy the bingo and carnival.
“All of them are pretty happy to come down,” Buley said. “You know, as soon as we got the tent open and ready, they were sitting down.”
Buley said that because bingo is free during the two-hour window, his tent loses a few hundred dollars giving away the bingo cards. But the sacrificed profit is not a loss for Buley.
“It’s part of our mission to help groups out,” he said. “That is the Knights of Columbus model. If they need it, we’ll do it.”
While bingo numbers were yelled out and winners received fun prizes, others spent their time trying rides and enjoying treats from concession stands. The lines were long for items like mini doughnuts and cotton candy.
For the rides, some took to the Ferris wheel or the spinning teacups, but for Tim Adams, the flying swing ride is his favorite. He had his reasons why at the ready. “The breeze and fresh air and stuff. Just how smooth it goes.”
For Adams, Fun Days is almost more important than Christmas (although Adams actually said it might even be more important). He and his mother, Barb, travel from Faribault every year to experience the many days of carnival fun, although this is his first time coming during the special needs event.
Adams said he appreciates the difference the event makes for those with special needs.
“It’s less busy,” Adams said. “It’s just not so crowded and stuff.”
Those shorter lines and smaller crowds are a big reason Fun Days puts on the special needs designated event. With fewer people, it gives carnival-goers more time to feel comfortable in their environment and gives workers more time to make sure that happens.
Carrie Chum said the space is so welcoming for her daughter, Adalyn, who has Down syndrome.
“Having a good experience where there’s patience and compassion to the fact that it might take a little longer for them to do different things,” Chum said. “When kids are really excited to get on the rides and stuff like that, sometimes they need the extra time to get on and off the rides.”
The carnival is open for free during the allotted two-hour window. Whether that be grabbing food or hopping on rides, it doesn’t cost families a dime.
Chum said that was really helpful and gave even more of a reason to come to the special needs event.
“The fact that it’s accessible to everyone, because they’re offering it all for free, I think that’s a huge thing for a lot of people right now,” she said. “You’re able to really give your kids the full experience, from having free lunch to having free mini doughnuts and popcorn. We wouldn’t be able to do all those things.”