Written by Austyn Perkins
A new event is coming to Ontario, Oregon! If you are looking for something to do this April, this event is a must. Organized by Manita’s Crunchy Munchies, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and ProSoul, they have created a truly memorable event that will “bring awareness and information to our local & surrounding communities.” The Autism Awareness Event will include informational booths, fundraisers, prizes, vendors, food trucks, free treats and so much more!
The event will be in downtown Ontario, South Oregon St on Saturday April 27th from 10am-4pm. Valerie Gomez, owner of the Manita’s Crunchy Munchies store, said, “The street will be completely Closed off from Eldredge Furniture to Moore Park, where another children’s event, Dia de Los Ninos, will be happening the same day in the afternoon, this is for the safety of all our families/caregivers with special needs kids and adults as well as small children.”
When asked about the inspiration for the event Valerie explained, “I have a 24-year-old son and a 13-year-old grandson that I am raising on the Autism spectrum, my partner/daughter also has a 13-year-old son on the spectrum, so this is something close to our family and we would like to help inform other families/caregivers in a positive fun environment about the resources that our local communities have to help their individual needs. We would also just like to share a safe, fun, enjoyable day for ALL ages with families/caregivers of special needs kids and adults in our area, as well as ALL others are welcome!”
The future hope for this big event is that more and more people will become a part of it as well as more businesses participating to help the local residents receive help and information each year in a super fun environment.
If you would like to support the Autism Awareness Event, you can do so by spreading the word, coming to the event, and having fun while learning something new about the community.
Vendors can contact manitascrunchymunchies@gmail.com or call 541-709-1801 or come by the store at 369 S. Oregon St, Ontario, OR
