AUGUST 1 • 2024 | 27
Carnival Fun
CLOCKWISE: Three carnival attendees pose for a photo in front of the event’s 40-foot Ferris Wheel. Two people have fun sliding down
the giant slide. A carnival attendee aims for a hole-in-one in the carnival’s mini-golf game. An attendee enjoys a game of giant Connect 4
with the help of a volunteer in the carnival midway. Free snow cones are enjoyed by many at the carnival. This rider is enjoying the Ballistic
Swing ride. Carnival-goers enjoy riding the Phantom’s Revenge boat swing ride.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF AISEN
N
early 750 individuals
with developmental
disabilities and sensory
sensitivities, their caregivers and
families enjoyed a day of fun at
local nonprofit JARC’s second
annual sensory-friendly carni-
val on Sunday, June 9.
Attendees rode carnival
rides including a 40-foot
Ferris Wheel, Ballistic Swing,
Phantom’s Revenge Ship,
Velocity Super Slide, a trackless
train, as well as played midway
games and mini golf, made
friendship bracelets, danced to
music provided by a DJ, and
enjoyed popcorn, snow cones
and more. New to the event this
year were a variety of vendor
booths with representatives to
explain the products and ser-
vices they offer to help individ-
uals with developmental disabil-
ities in Metro Detroit.
JARC designed the event for
individuals with developmen-
tal disabilities and/or sensory
sensitivities who find it diffi-
cult to attend a typical carni-
val due to the overstimulation
they may experience from
large crowds, loud noises and
energetic environment.
“The most rewarding part
of the carnival was watching
all the people JARC serves
alongside the people served by
other agencies, caregivers and
families having fun. To see their
smiling faces as they engaged
in all the activities was price-
less,
” said JARC CEO Shaindle
Braunstein. “We know the event
was successful as everyone left
the carnival saying thank you
and they can’t wait to see us
again next year.
”
Held at Adat Shalom
Synagogue in Farmington
Hills, a unique element to this
carnival was an indoor “senso-
ry” room equipped with quiet
activities where guests could
wind down and even enjoy the
comfort of therapy dogs.
The carnival is part of
JARC’s summer-long Ellen
Labes Festival Series, made
possible by the support of the
Ellen Labes Family.
To learn more about JARC or to donate,
visit jarc.org or call (248) 940-2617.
JARC