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