TRAVERSE CITY -- There was plenty of fun at the National Cherry Festival Wednesday morning as organizers catered to kids with special needs.

There was a petting zoo, pie making, an obstacle course, all designed for children with hearing, visibility or physical impairments.

The festival also shut down the Midway just for them.

For several hours, the carnival rides were opened up exclusively for special needs kids and it was all free of charge.

Organizers say this day is a tradition at the Cherry Fest and a lot of kids leave with a smiling face.

"It's fun because I see kids that started as preschoolers and are now adults coming back and having reunions with their old friends, it's a really good time," said Cindy Hitesman, the Special Kids Coordinator.

For the past 28 years, Arnold Amusements has donated their equipment for this special day.