By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch The fun and games of Fall Fest this Saturday will be accompanied by a serious message. Organizers of the annual event in Eatonville say its mission is "to enhance ability awareness to focus on what people can do, rather than on what they can't do." Fall Fest, free for all ages and abilities, is back for its eighth year on Oct. 3, a date that coincides with Disability History Awareness Month in Washington. Tina Schmidt, chairwoman of the festival's planning committee, recalls how it all started. "We were originally five mothers of children with disabilities, and we donate our time and energy to this event,GÇ¥ she said, noting the committee has grown to seven members from the Eatonville community. They include Michelle Frink, Shannon Powell, Shanna Littrell, Sue Bartnes, TraciAnn Godwin and Gretchen Sharpe. If anyone else wants to get involved, "we welcome the help,GÇ¥ Schmidt said. They have this year's Fall Fest covered. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eatonville Middle School, activities will include a craft fair, a pie contest, entertainment, children's games, appearances by two clowns, and 40 booths sponsored by organizations related to health and disability resources. Through harvest sharing sponsored by Mountain Community Co-op, community members can bring two bags of produce from their vegetable, swap one for a bag of someone else's to take home, and leave one for the local food bank. Also planned is "Eatin' in Eatonville," featuring food from community groups and restaurants. And the public will be invited to donate food for the Eatonville food bank, eye glasses for the Eatonville Lions Club eyesight charity, used medical equipment and wheelchairs, and clean, unused medical supplies. The purpose of the fun and giving is to encourage the community to embrace all abilities and discover resources that are available to them, Schmidt said. Promoted by Eatonville Disability Network, Fall Fest also has support from major sponsors Eatonville School District, the Town of Eatonville, MultiCare, The Dispatch, Kirk's Pharmacy and Walmart. Sponsors also include Student Services Advisory Group of Eatonville, Arrow Lumber, Barney's Corner Mini-Mart, Bruno's Family Restaurant, Cruiser Caf+¬, Doterra Essential Oils, Eatonville Elementary School Booster Club, Eatonville Lions Club, Gypsy Wagon Espresso, Key Bank, Michael J. Frink, D.C, Mount Rainier Lions Club, Mountain Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation, Plaza Market , Rainier Connect, Roxy Theater, Sarah Cole Graphic Design and Subway.
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