From WOOD COUNTY BOARD OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) and the Wood County Fair are partners in the second annual Let Your Abilities Shine Day — an inclusive event celebrating individuals of all abilities. The special day will take place on Thursday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green.
Now in its second year, Let Your Abilities Shine offers individuals served by any county board of developmental disabilities a unique opportunity to enjoy the fair in a way that is welcoming, accessible and fun. This event includes a variety of inclusive and sensory-friendly activities designed to engage and celebrate all participants.
Featured Activities:
- Inclusive Recreation – The WCBDD Recreation Team will lead fun, interactive activities in the large tent located at Gate B/Entrance B.
- Petting Zoo – Meet barnyard animals at the tent near Entrance B. Large animals will visit from 9-11 a.m., and small animals from Noon-1:30 p.m.
- Balloon Magic with Sheriff Stretch – A delightful, family-friendly balloon show starting at 10 a.m.
- Friendly Fair Ride Experience – Enjoy a sensory-friendly ride time from Noon-1 p.m.
- Sensory Room – A quiet, calming space located in the Administrative Building (“Pull” Office). Signage will be posted throughout the fairgrounds.
- Universal Changing Unit – A fully accessible, dignified space for personal care will be located next to the Sheriff’s Office, with signage to assist with wayfinding.
- New This Year: Communication Boards – Visual communication boards will be posted throughout the fairgrounds to support individuals with communication needs or barriers.
- Sensory Considerations – Lights will be dimmed, music and announcements lowered when possible, to help create a more sensory-friendly environment.
- Ring of Dreams Livestock Show – begins at 5 p.m. in the Pratt Pavilion.
Admission & Parking
Individuals served and their support staff will receive FREE ADMISSION to the fair between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All attendees must enter through Gate B/Entrance B. Para-transit vehicles, vans and other accessibility-focused transportation may park in clearly marked handicap parking across from Gate B, providing closer, easier access to all activities.
“This partnership continues to show how inclusive communities are built — not just talked about,” said WCBDD Superintendent Brent Baer. “Providing a welcoming, hands-on experience at the fair is one more way we recognize the value and contributions of every individual. Inclusion works best when we all work together.”
“We are proud to help create a fair that truly includes everyone. Let Your Abilities Shine Day is a powerful reminder that the fair is for all — and that when we remove barriers, we make room for joy, connection and community,” said Wood County Fair Board President Paul Perry.
For more information, contact Charese Botjer at 419-352-5115 or cbotjer@woodcountydd.org.
