Contact:
Brielle Dodge                          Hal Gausman
Marketing Specialist              Fair Manager
Brielle.Dodge@snoco.org       Hal.Gausman@snoco.org

 360-805-6704                         360-805-6729

Evergreen State Fair Announces Debut of Morning of Dreams

Monroe, Wash., Aug. 18, 2017– The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, WA will host a new event on August 30, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: “Evergreen Morning of Dreams.” The event offers a calmer Fair setting for those with disabilities or special needs and their families. Several activities will be available to guests before opening to the general public, including:

• Farmer for a Day Activity (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Great American Petting Zoo (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Select Animal Barns (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
• Calm Areas (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
• Select Carnival Rides without lights and sounds, additional costs apply (10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)

As Snohomish County’s largest event, the Evergreen State Fair strives to satisfy the needs of the community and proactively respond to suggestions on how to improve the experience. In 2016, a few community members contacted the Evergreen State Fair with interest in attending the Fair, but were concerned about how the bustle and noise of the Fair might affect their children with sensitivities to busy environments. In the offseason, Fair staff began meeting with local families and organizations to plan an event that is inclusive to individuals with disabilities or special needs, including autism.

Carrie Mizenko, a local mom with a child on the autism spectrum, was one of the first to reach out to the Fair last fall, “I have always loved going to the Fair, but sometimes the things that are so fun and exciting for me and others can be overwhelming for kids on the spectrum.”

After months of preparation, Fair staff and volunteers are ready to introduce the first-ever Morning of Dreams. “This event means we can go as a family to enjoy something pretty much every other family does; we get to feel ‘normal’ for a change and get to do so in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment,” says Mizenko.

The event is limited to the first 500 participants in order to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Gate Admission is $5 per person (ages 5-89). Registration and admission payment are required online at https://www.evergreenfair.orgby August 23 in order to participate.  If caregiver support is required, registrants are encouraged to use code ‘caregiver’ upon checkout to receive $5 off their order. Parking is $10 cash, paid at the event.

Carnival tickets will be sold at the event. Individual tickets are $1, sheets of 25 are $23, sheets of 80 are $70 and unlimited ride wristbands are $35. Pre-sale Unlimited Ride Wristbands are available online or in person for $30 before August 23.

Morning of Dreams is sponsored by IRG Physical Therapy, allowing caregivers to enter the Fair free of charge so families can truly enjoy the experience without the extra financial burden.

Any media outlets interested in attending the event, please contact Brielle Dodge at Brielle.Dodge@snoco.org