NORTH MANKATO — In a likely sign that North Mankato Fun Days’ Special Needs Carnival continues to grow every year, Amy Donovan with Enterprise North Inc. said this is an inaugural visit to the festival for their clients.
“This is the first time (the clients have) been here. I’ve been here before with MRCI. I let them know about it, and we decided to bring two groups today,” Donovan said. Enterprise serves adults with disabilities in Madelia and New Ulm.
Donovan said the Special Needs Carnival is a great opportunity for their clients because it’s less stressful when there’s not as many people there.
“They have a better chance of getting on rides and not feeling the anxiety of waiting in line with a whole bunch of people,” she said. “They also get to see people from other organizations that they might know from their past, and it’s such a friendly and amazing opportunity.”
Wheeler Park was packed with kids, families and clients from several community organizations early Friday when the festival opened specifically for the group. Some took a spin on the Ferris wheel. Others played bingo or enjoyed classic fair food such as corndogs.
MRCI client Lisa Ikier said she was excited for mini doughnuts and free swag.
“It’s fun, so we don’t have to be sitting inside when it’s so nice outside. It’s not raining,” she said. “I love all the rides and it’s nice to enjoy everybody’s company from MRCI.”
MRCI client Brandon Kahlow said this was his first time at the carnival and that he was also looking forward to mini doughnuts and having fun with the group.
Tasha Landwehr, a school psychologist with Mankato Area Public Schools who also supervises the extended school year programs at Franklin and Washington elementaries, shared more on how the carnival is adaptive.
“The people that are supervising the rides, they know to give wait time. They’re helping kids get on and off. We have small groups and a lot of adults taking care of the kids. We bring things like headphones and stuff like that, so sensory wise we can decrease that input. There’s also less people which is super helpful as far as supervision and kids being overwhelmed with sensory needs,” she said.
Melissa Cardona, a day service specialist at MRCI, said the fact the carnival is free also makes a difference.
“A lot of these families, a lot of these clients have financial (challenges). It’s always been something that some struggle with,” she said.
North Mankato Fun Days activities continue this weekend. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday.