Clallam County Fair Adds Sensory-Friendly Features for 2026

New program aims to make the annual event more accessible for those with sensory issues.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a family strolling through a county fair, with blurred figures and vibrant splashes of color creating a serene, calming mood.The Clallam County Fair's new sensory-friendly features aim to create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for all attendees.Port Angeles Today

The Clallam County Fair is introducing new accessibility features for the 2026 event, including sensory-friendly bags with noise-canceling headphones and weighted blankets, as well as designated quiet spaces like an art barn and a retrofitted sensory-inclusive trailer. The $87,000 grant-funded initiative is designed to create a more comfortable experience for fairgoers with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other conditions that can make crowded, noisy environments challenging.

Why it matters

The new sensory-friendly features at the Clallam County Fair demonstrate a growing awareness and commitment to inclusivity for all members of the community. By proactively addressing the needs of attendees with sensory processing differences, the fair organizers are setting an example for other events to follow and ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the annual celebration.

The details

The sensory-friendly program at the Clallam County Fair will include two main elements. First, bags will be available for checkout that contain noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap blankets, communication cue cards, and fidget toys to help attendees self-regulate. Second, the fair will feature designated quiet spaces, including an art barn and a retrofitted sensory-inclusive trailer, where people can take a break from the crowds and noise. There will also be signage posted around the fairgrounds to alert visitors to the noisiest and most active areas.

  • The Clallam County Fair is scheduled for August 15-18, 2026.
  • The new sensory-friendly features will debut at the 2026 fair.

The players

Don Crawford

Clallam County Parks Director, who presented the new sensory-friendly program to the County Commissioners.

Erin Kirkland

A volunteer and the mother of an adult son with autism, who provided an overview of the program's goals and features.

Dept. of Social and Health Services

The agency that provided an $87,000 grant to fund the sensory-friendly initiatives at the Clallam County Fair.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our goals are to create these environments, both physical and kind of ephemeral, so that people who come to the fair are going to be able to have the experience that they deserve, and their families will be more comfortable bringing them to such an event. And by that, we're not just talking people with autism, we're talking people with dementia, PTSD — anything that makes it very difficult to be in crowded, noisy situations.”

— Erin Kirkland, Volunteer

What’s next

The Clallam County Fair organizers will continue to promote the new sensory-friendly features in the lead-up to the 2026 event, encouraging attendees with sensory processing differences to take advantage of the available resources and quiet spaces.

The takeaway

The Clallam County Fair's proactive approach to accessibility and inclusivity sets a positive example for other community events. By prioritizing the needs of attendees with sensory issues, the fair is ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the annual celebration.