BY LAURA WRIGHT
TRAVERSE CITY -- Rhonda Gates took the day off work to spend with her son. He wasn't sick; it wasn't his birthday, or a holiday. It was Special Kids' Day at the National Cherry Festival.
"This is a day for him, and that's special for me," Gates said.
Gates' son Trace, 5, has a hearing disability.
"This is the first time he's been down here," she said. "It's something really special for them."
Special Kids' Day started in 1984, and includes Open Space activities such as an obstacle course, a parachute and a wheelchair swing. Live animals also are on-site.
Rides were a hot ticket on Wednesday. Kids could ride an elephant and a fire truck, and Arnold Amusements closed the midway to provide food and rides for kids with hearing, visual or physical impairments, and those with developmental disabilities.
"Kids love the elephant and the fact that they can go on rides," said Laurielle Purdy, of Traverse City, who has worked for special needs families for the past 15 years.
Arnold Amusements' employees volunteer for Special Kids' Day; the park opens early and requires additional staff to help kids with the rides.
"I have fun doing it for the kids," said Pat Carey, a Florida resident who has worked with Arnold Amusements for 18 months. "I have a sister with Down Syndrome. It's a day they can get out and enjoy themselves."
In addition to volunteers at the midway, dozens more are needed at the Open Space to run various activities. Equipment must be borrowed and additional security is needed at crosswalks.
"Everyone wants to join," said Cindy Hitesman, event director. "They call and say 'Can I do this?' Everyone just helps. They just work together and help."
Many families decide to make a day of the events, and buses lined Union Street with kids from summer camps.
"We're part of a Spirit Day Camp for special needs kids," said Kristi Muller, counselor for the Petoskey camp that brought 39 kids to the event. "Today's an opportunity for the special needs kids to have a day to enjoy themselves."
Joey Suter, 15, of Petoskey enjoyed the outing.
"I've gone on lots of rides," Suter said.
To many families, Special Kids' Day has become a favored festival tradition.
"We go every year," said Sherrie Rozanski, mother of Emily Scott, 19. "She's been going since she was probably three. She loves it."
Scott said the best part was seeing her friends.
"I went to the beach, I ride some rides, and saw some friends," Scott said. "I played basketball, and I want to ride the horse."
Family members said Special Kids' Day is a chance for the kids to learn new things and socialize with others.
"I watch the faces of the kids and the gratitude from the parents," Hitesman said. "Just makes for a wonderful day. It's the smiles and laughter."
