A horse barn becomes a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat
LoveWay's fifth annual Barn Boo-Nanza turned stalls into candy booths and offered calm, spaced-out games, so some children got to trick-or-treat for the first time.
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LoveWay held its fifth Barn Boo-Nanza on Friday, October 23, at its barn outside Middlebury, ABC57 reported. The free event is built for families of children with disabilities. LoveWay provides equine-assisted services. Stalls became candy booths decorated by 14 community partners, spaced so the barn would not overwhelm guests. An activity area added ring toss, a target toss, cornhole, and a rubber chicken toss. A miniature horse greeted people at the door.
Jessica Estep, the organization's director of development, said one family told organizers their child would otherwise never have trick-or-treated. Organizers expected 200 to 300 people. Kathryn Lane of Williams Warriors, taking part for the first time, said her group brings non-candy choices so children with feeding tubes, allergies, or other conditions can still leave with something.
For the classroom
LoveWay in Middlebury, Indiana, uses horses to help people with disabilities. On October 23 it held its fifth Barn Boo-Nanza, a free Halloween event made to feel calm. Stalls in the barn became candy booths, decorated by 14 community groups and spaced so the barn would not feel crowded. Families in costume went from stall to stall. Other games, including ring toss and cornhole, were spread out too. A miniature horse met people at the door. Organizers expected 200 to 300 guests. One family told them their child would not have gotten to trick-or-treat anywhere else. Some booths also offered treats that are not candy, so kids who cannot eat sweets could still take something home.
- What made this barn trick-or-treat easier for someone who gets overwhelmed?
- Why would a booth offer something besides candy?
- How could your school party make room for every classmate?
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