KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Fair is back in town and more welcoming than ever. The fair and its entertainment provider, Kissel Entertainment, have expanded their offerings from sensory-friendly mornings to accommodate those with sensory sensitivities every day of the fair.
Kissel Entertainment is the fair's food, ride and games provider and they say they're the first traveling entertainment provider to be certified Sensory Inclusive™ by KultureCity, a nonprofit that trains and certifies staff that have sensory-inclusive modifications. They're taking extra steps to make sure the fair is inclusive for all, including this quiet area trailer that includes sensory toys.
"Kissel jumped at the chance to be the first traveling entertainment organization to be certified. We're excited to be here at the Tennessee Valley Fair and this is the second time that we've had these resources in play because we were just certified a few weeks ago," said Eric German, a Kissel Entertainment spokesperson.
The certification provides training for staff to accommodate the needs of people of all ages and abilities.
"It could be people of all ages with autism, PTSD, even it's been shown lately that early stages of dementia have sensory needs or sensory sensitivity," said German.
A free sensory bag is available for guests who need them at the Welcome Center. The bags include headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools and a card showing what a guest may need and how they're feeling. The quiet area trailer is also located beside the Welcome Center.
Fairgoers said they're happy to see these new additions.
"It's beautiful. Honestly, it's like we have autistic people in our family and they will definitely feel overwhelmed when they come to the fair. So this is such a perfect place. I'm an occupational therapist assistant student so this is just like, right on point. I'm definitely gonna tell this to my peers," said Alejandra Stewart, a fair attendee.
They said it's important for everyone to enjoy their time at the fair.
"Very family-oriented. And I think that's one big reason you want to have all the availabilities to have, you know, for anyone, anyone that needs help with anything. And it was definitely a nice touch. We loved the idea. We walked in and saw it and we were like, 'Oh, that's a really cool, that's a cool thing.'" said Brandon Stewart, a fair attendee.
The Tennessee Valley Fair is open through September 15th and these sensory bags will be available until then.