Free Rides for autism families Labor Day Weekend (Sunday) NJ

[Guest guest]

Fri Aug 27, 2010 7:51 am (PDT)

St. Bartholomew the Apostle Italian Feast will once again attract families

far and wide this Labor Day weekend. The aromas, sounds, and sights that

flourish in and about the established Westfield Avenue site, have been an

annual tradition since 1974, providing cultural foods, popular music,

exciting rides, and high-spirited games for all ages. The feast, a reputable

family experience, will begin Friday, September 3rd and continue through

Monday. The feast opens 4:30pm with rides, live entertainment, and assorted

amusements through 10:30pm daily. Each night offers 50/50 drawings, with a

Super 50/50 raffle occurring Monday evening.

St. Bartholomew parish and Autism Family Tours with na, a Fanwood-based

not for profit organization, have coordinated a dedicated time for children

with autism and other disabilities along with their families, to enjoy the

rides at the feast without the challenges of crowds and loud noises. On

Sunday, September 5th, the feast will open from 2:30 to 4:30 to accommodate

the special needs of these children. Fr. Paladino, Pastor of the church

ensures that " These families are welcome to attend the feast anytime they

wish, but for many it can be overwhelming. This time offers family fun,

without them having to worry about other challenges. " Families must contact

Autism Family Tours with na to receive wrist bands to participate in

this free event. Families can register by calling 908-889-8860 or by e-mail

at <mailto:contact%40autismfamilytours.org> contact@....

Autism Family Tours' Peer Mentors will be available to pair with children on

rides. The feast grounds are handicap accessible.

On Sunday evening, the feast features live music from the popular band, The

Broadcasters. Their compilation of music includes songs from such artists as

The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Aerosmith, The Who, U2, Elton , and

. The electrifying mood is accompanied by amusements and great

food including favorites like pizza, pasta, zeppole, clams, mussels, and

calzones.