Sensory-Friendly Spaces Debut at 2026 Belmont County Fair

The 2026 Belmont County Fair will offer new sensory-friendly accommodations thanks to a partnership between the Fair Board and the Board of Developmental Disabilities. Features such as a quiet room and a designated time for sensory-friendly rides and games will help more families enjoy the fair together. Pictured in front representing children of all abilities are sisters Makenna and Lydia Tingler. Standing behind are those who have worked together to make the fair more accessible. From left: Champion in Me Livestock Show Director Kaylin Burress; Fair Board President Ed Campbell and Treasurer Malissa Campbell; DD Board Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn; Makenna and Lydia’s mother, Kim Tingler; and Fair Board members Amber Cawthorne and Dawn Warrick. The Belmont County Fair opens on September 7, 2026, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 13.(Photo provided)

Press Release

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 thanks to 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 lights and comfortable seating will help people with sensory sensitivity relax and regulate so they can return to the fun of the fair.  

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

A sensory-friendly experience is also being offered by Lisko Family Amusements. The volume of noise and lights will be turned down for a sensory friendly ride and games experience on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m.  

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 that Momentum Refresh has been at the Belmont County Fair.  

The Belmont County Fair opens at noon on Monday, Sept. 7, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. Visit www.belmontcountyfair.org to learn more. The Belmont County Agricultural Society is responsible for the operation of 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, log onto www.bcbdd.org

(Belmont County DD Press Release)

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