The Sensory Circus featured amazing aerial performances by the Cincinnati Circus.

The Sensory Circus came to Valley Park last Saturday, June 6, bringing big top entertainment to the local community. The day started off in front of the conference center with aerial performances by acrobats from the Cincinnati Circus. An amazed crowd of children and adults watched as entertainers Stella and Casper executed flips and spins on ropes and arial silks, balanced on chairs, twirled fire fans, performed mesmerizing hula hoop tricks, and swung together from a trapeze. Stilt walker Olaf walked around the green space in front of the conference center, dazzling bystanders with his juggling tricks.

The Sensory Circus is hosted by Community Autism Resources and Education Systems (CARES), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for West Virginia families with children on the autism spectrum. Valley Park was decorated with the colors associated with each letter of the organization’s acronym – red for Community, blue for Autism awareness, green for Resources, purple for Education, and teal for Systems.

“The Sensory Circus is a truly unique event, especially with our thoughtfully designed sensory stations,” CARES Founding Director, Jill Scarbro, stated. “It’s a beautiful day of family fun and inclusion for everybody to come and enjoy, all while supporting the vital work we do at CARES.

“Community is the first word in our name,” Scarbro emphasized. “We love that this event brings the community together, from volunteers, business sponsors, high school students, and families and children with autism.”

In addition to entertainment by the Cincinnati Circus performers, families could go on the Sensory Walk, a bright and colorful journey through the park’s trails. Tunnels of spinning pinwheels, pool noodles, rings, balloons, confetti, sprinklers, and bubbles awaited those who participated in the walk, creating an engaging experience for the senses.

The soccer field was the site of a resource fair, featuring inflatables and carnival games. Other featured attractions at the Sensory Circus included Touch A Truck, artisan vendors, and food trucks.

During the event, awards were given out to CARES teams, local businesses, and individuals who had made a positive impact on children on the autism spectrum and their families. Brittany Willard was honored with the CARES Community Champion Award and a week’s vacation in Orlando, Florida; Walmart received the big Top Business Award; Team Jack Jack received the Funhouse Award for gathering the most members to participate; and Team Tate the Great received the Greatest Shoman Award for raising the highest funds for CARES.

This is the second year that CARES has put on the Sensory Circus at Valley Park. The organization has hosted multiple events in Putnam County, including the SpectRUN and Au-some Family Fun Day, Spooktacular, inclusive family swims, and various meet-up activities.