Sensory-Friendly spaces debuting at 2026 Belmont County Fair

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Children and adults who are sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and crowded environments will find the 2026 Belmont County Fair more welcoming and accessible.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Belmont County Agricultural Society and the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

A sensory-friendly quiet room will be created in the bridal suite inside the Carnes Event Center. Low lighting and comfortable seating will help people with sensory sensitivities relax and regulate so they can return to enjoying the fair.

The Carnes Event Center also will be the location for a Giggles & Goop station. Youngsters will be able to play with sensory-friendly toys and participate in an activity provided by the DD Board team.

A sensory-friendly experience also will be offered by Lisko Family Amusements. The volume of noise and lights will be turned down for a sensory-friendly ride and games experience from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

The idea of a sensory-friendly fair was brought to the Board of Developmental Disabilities by Kaylin Burress and Amber Cawthorne, organizers of the Champion in Me Livestock Show. Both wanted to make the fair more comfortable for people with autism and other sensory-sensitive disabilities.

"Our goal is to create an environment where people with disabilities can take a short break in a safe, supportive space and not have to leave the fair," Burress said.

For Gloria Llewellyn, superintendent of the Belmont Board of DD, accessible efforts like this fulfill an important goal of helping children and adults belong.

"County fairs are where communities come together, and that should include everyone," Llewellyn said. "We are excited to partner with the Fair Board to create experiences that allow people with disabilities to fully enjoy everything the fair has to offer."

Belmont DD also sponsors Momentum Refresh, a fully accessible mobile restroom designed to provide comfort, dignity and access for people with disabilities. This is the third consecutive year Momentum Refresh has been at the Belmont County Fair.

The Belmont County Fair opens at noon Monday, Sept. 7, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 13.

Visit belmontcountyfair.org to learn more. The Belmont County Agricultural Society is responsible for operating the Belmont County Fair each year.

The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities coordinates and funds services for more than 800 eligible people living with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other physical and intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit bcbdd.org.