DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair partnered with ChildServe to host the fourth annual sensory-friendly morning at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday.

The morning events start at 8 a.m. and go until noon, featuring various fair favorites with sensory sensitivities in mind.

“The state fair came to us four years ago and asked if we would like to partner on a sensory event,” said Jordan Juhl Marcon with ChildServe. “And we said of course, there are a lot of children that we serve that have sensory needs or other diagnoses that can benefit from this event. We turned down the sounds and the lights as much as possible to make this event welcoming for all families.”

It features two calming rooms for kids and their families to escape the crowds and have a place to cool down. There are also classics such as Little Lands on the Farm, opening an hour earlier for kids who have sensory sensitivities. Livestock barns will also feature events with a quieter space and dimmer lights.

Marcon said that before the sensory-friendly morning was offered, some families avoided the fair completely.

“Families I often hear have never taken the chance to come to the fair before this event was possible,” Marcon said. “So they feel comfortable knowing that they’re amongst friends, people who understand and are there to help them and be supportive of what’s going on that day.”

ChildServe partners with other local businesses and organizations to put on sensory-friendly events. The Iowa Cubs host a sensory-friendly night at the ballpark, and they also partner with the Hawkeye Downs Santa Village.

A full list of the morning events can be found here.