Community Corner

Fair Opens Early Saturday for Special Guests

Hundreds of local special needs and autistic children enjoy Rotary Fair.

Written by Greg Burchette

The Rotary Club of Hillsborough hosted a Family Fun Day at its annual Fair on Saturday exclusively for the local Special Needs and Autistic Community. 

The Fair, located in the Hillsborough Promenade, was open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, but on Saturday it was opened early from 2 to 4 p.m. for the special needs and autistic children and their families.            

The Rotary Club hosted approximately 424 individuals and their families. Guidance and organizational help for the event was provided by Leonore Johnston, Director of Special Services in the Hillsborough School system, Anthony Ferrera, Hillsborough Township Administrator, a great Autism advocate, and Sherri Marino of the Autism Think Tank in Warren.            

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  Every year Rotary focuses on a new theme. This year's district theme is “Passion into Action," and the district is focused on autism—increasing awareness, assisting families and supporting research.             

 The Fair atmosphere was modified to help provide an enjoyable experience for the special attendees. Loud noises and flashing lights normally associated with fairs were reduced, and unlimited access was provided to the rides and carnival games.The Family Fun Day was totally free to attendees and their families.  The event was also attended by many local dignitaries who provided a hand including Senator Kip Bateman, Assemblywomen Donna Simon, Mayor Frank Delcore, Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson and Committeeman Greg Burchette.  Also in attendance was Dr. Tulsi R. Maharja, District Governor of Rotary International District 7510, as well as Rotarians from other clubs of the district.           

Many organizations helped to make the Family Fun Day a great event, including: Weis Supermarket, Catered Affair, Angelos Pizza, Stavola Company, WJ Casey, Your Imprint Here, Mom’s Famous Zeppoles, Majestic Midways, Pallidan Amusements, Norz Hills Farm, and Fire Company No. 3, Woods Road.            

 The Rotary Club of Hillsborough, Which holds its dinner meetings every Wednesday night at 6:15 p.m. at Pheasants Landing Restaurant, thanks all of the sponsors, donors and participants for making this a fun and memorable event for everyone involved. For more information on Rotary, visit www.hillsboroughrotaryclub.org.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here