Applications Open Until Sept. 9 for Participants
October Trick-or-Treating Planned at Mt. Zion Church
Halloween is a fun time for kids to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating with friends and family, but this can be a challenge for some children who use a wheelchair. To make these kids’ dreams come true, Harford County is planning an inclusive Halloween event again this October. Applications are open for participants, and volunteers and sponsors are needed to build the costumes.
This will be the third annual event sponsored by Harford County government in partnership with Mt. Zion Church and the Harford Center.
Children who use a wheelchair as their main form of mobility can sign up for free, but space is limited and applications must be received by the Harford County Office of Disability Services by Friday, September 9, 2022. The application and additional details are on the county website at www.harfordcountymd.gov/services.
Kids will help create the design ideas and teams of volunteers will work to transform their dreams into costumes that can be wrapped around a wheelchair without impeding its function.
Costumes will be built at Mt. Zion Church in Churchville from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 28 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. On the second build day, children will be fitted for their costumes and go trick-or-treating in the parking lot from 4 – 6 p.m. Community members are invited to join in.
Businesses and other organizations that would like to be part of a design team, volunteer, contribute materials, or host a trick-or-treating station should contact Rachel Harbin, Office of Disability Services, at [email protected].
“Over the past two Halloweens, more than 100 wonderful volunteers have helped us make 24 unique costumes, and we’re excited to create another unforgettable day for kids who use wheelchairs,” Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said. “We want all children in our community to feel included and have a chance to join in activities with their peers. Whether it’s trick-or-treating, riding a bike, spending time at our award-winning Sensory Trail, or playing Miracle League baseball, every child should get a chance to have fun being a kid.”
Expanding recreational opportunities for individuals with differing abilities has been a priority of the Glassman administration. In 2016, the Harford County Department of Community Services brought iCanBike Camp, a five-day clinic that offers bike-riding instruction to individuals with differing abilities. The program hosts 32 riders each summer. In 2019, the Glassman administration was recognized with a National Association of Counties Best in Category Award for the Schucks Road Sensory Trail, designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities. County Executive Glassman also designated land at Schucks Road Regional Park for Harford’s first Miracle League baseball field. The field is the first of its kind in the region, designed so that individuals of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs, can participate in baseball games with their peers.
More information about opportunities for citizens with differing abilities is on the Harford County website, www.harfordcountymd.gov.
