The parking lot of local law firm Oatley Vigmond, on Ferris Lane in Barrie, was transformed once again into a barrier-free trick-or-treating experience for children who face barriers, physical or otherwise, on Sunday.
The annual party was made possible due to the participation of more than 40 local vendors set up and handing out treats.
“It means a lot to my son. He is autistic,” Charity Down told BarrieToday at the event. “This is our second year coming here, and it was amazing. Everyone is friendly, and there is not a lot of loud noises, which is just great.
Miles, her six-year-old son, was kitted out as the driver of an elaborately made garbage truck, which took Down two days to make.
“It’s my first year doing a costume like this for him. It was a lot more than I bargained for,” she said.
Karen Vigmond, lawyer and partner at Oatley Vigmond, is more than happy to help spearhead the second annual Halloween experience.
“It’s for the young and young at heart who face barriers with traditional trick-or-treating, so today it’s barrier-free, low-sensory and a great community experience,” she said.
Many children might face barriers and be unable to trick-or-treat in the normal course, according to Vigmond, “so, to have a place where they can do so is really amazing.”
Vigmond said the event has tripled in size in terms of the registrants, with the 40-plus local vendors supporting it this year.
“Even one of our local sponsors last year also put on their own accessible Halloween village in the London area this year, so to see the idea catching on and involving more communities is really fantastic,” she added.
Carol Fraser brought her son, Carson, and her daughter Chloe, who is 13 and in a wheelchair. This is their first time attending the event.
“This is a really special event for kids, and having a child in a wheelchair, you don’t get to participate too often in something that’s fully accessible,” Fraser said.
“With trick-or-treat being one of those things, where you come across a lot of stairs and barriers, this is a totally inclusive event for our family to participate in, and feel like part of the community," she added.
