Diane founded "Special Kids' Day" at the Traverse City Cherry Festival
TRAVERSE CITY, MI -- We've told you about Special Kids’ Day at the Cherry Festival, it is an annual event
Over the years, this day has grown, and it's because of a vision one special lady had years ago.
Friendships form about as fast as the bumper cars collide.
"It’s a great day that just goes on by itself," said Special Kids’ Day Event Coordinator Cindy Hitesman.
Special Kids' Day is a day every special needs child can't wait for, and every year, you'll be greeted by one special person with a perfect vision. Her name is Diane Dennis.
"It’s just great she had the idea, and it just took off, and she got the schools involved, and it's just part of the festival now!" said Hitesman.
Diane got the idea to give special kids a special day from her daughter, who had a friend that was blind 28 years ago.
Back in 1983, the first year of special needs day, there were four kids who came out to enjoy the festivities. This year, organizers say they wouldn't be surprised to see 600, 700, even 1,000 kids participating in the events.
And for two hours, kids have the entire Midway to themselves. From a carousel ride to a flying elephant and every ride in-between, there are no long lines and it's all for free.
“I felt there was a need for it, and there's no age limit, so some of these kids we've seen since they were very small preschoolers, now adults, and they're still coming back," said Diane Dennis.
Diane says she never thought the day would grow to what it is now.
“It's just me and my mom, the two of us," said Emily Scott, who participated in the events.
"It’s just for them, it's set aside for them, it makes them feel special, and it's something they can do every year so it's great," said Emily’s mom Sherrie Rozanski.
“It never rains on this morning so I think we get smiled on by extra-special things," laughed Diane.
And a special day when it doesn't matter who you are or who you meet, the smiles that kids leave with is what makes Diane Dennis this month's “Your Town Hero.”
