Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) partnered with members of the Saratoga County Fair Board to host the 5^th annual ThinkDIFFERNTLY Day at the Saratoga County Fair. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and offered a variety of sensory-friendly activities for individuals and their families to enjoy throughout the fair, including the animal shows, ground demonstrations and carnival, without flashing lights or loud noises.

Walsh was joined by the Saratoga County Fair Board President Jennifer Flinton, Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo and Deputy Kevin Lang, Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner, this year’s fair queen representatives, Village of Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi, Jr., Dianne Burke of Helping Hands School, Vicki Ramotar of Crossroads Center for Children and her son, Terry Hynes.

“We often take for granted all the amenities offered by our county fairs, but for those who are sensory-sensitive the fair may have been an activity that families were previously hesitant to attend,” said Walsh. “By hosting this special day each year, we are telling differently-abled children or adults, and their families, that regardless of whether you like the rides, the exhibits or fair food, the fair is for everyone to enjoy!”

Sheriff Zurlo and Deputy Lang also highlighted the importance of the county’s Project Lifesaver initiative, which provides tracker bracelets to families who have loved ones living with autism or Alzheimer’s. The bracelet will help to locate the individual in the event of a crisis or if they wander off.