Evergreen State Fair brings back Morning of Dreams

Hours have been set aside during the Evergreen State Fair for people with disabilities or special needs and their families to enjoy festivities that are a little less wild than usual for a second year.

Snohomish County announced the Morning of Dreams program, which won the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials Removing Barriers Initiative award after its rollout last August, will return 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, according to a news release. The allotted time will offer attendees a mellower environment.

This year the fair will be run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 through Sept. 3. The theme for the 110th event is “Summer Days and Country Ways.”

“Every aspect of Morning of Dreams was a huge success last year, and the only critical feedback we received from the public was a need to expand the event so even more families could have the opportunity to participate,” said Evergreen State Fair marketing specialist Brielle Dodge in the release.

Last year 500 tickets were made available, and staff is doubling that number this year.

The idea for inclusive hours came up in 2016, after a handful of residents contacted the Evergreen State Fair organization to voice concerns about the noise and large crowds common during regular hours. The families were worried about bringing their children with special needs into such a busy situation.

Dodge led a team to look into what could be done. The result has been opening up the county’s largest event to an even broader audience.

The changes are specially designed for people with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism. Lights and loud noises will be minimized and a quiet space will be open until 1 p.m. Most activities will start at 9 a.m., such as the Farmer for a Day and The Great American Petting Zoo exhibits, as well as select animal barns. Some carnival rides without lights or sounds will be open at 10 a.m. for an hour, and will have an additional cost, above the $6 for general admission.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at EvergreenFair.org. Fairgoers must register ahead of time. The cost for caregivers will be waived, which is being sponsored by Connect Cheer Northwest and Ryatt Construction, “so families can truly enjoy the experience without the extra financial burden.” Use the code “caregiver” online.

“The largest compliment we received from many parents was, ‘You gave my family the chance to feel normal.’ We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome,” Dodge said in the release.

The program also won the Snohomish County Executive’s Turtle award, which recognizes those who stick their neck out to serve the public.