A Spooktacular Success:
Fall Carnival Fun
On the evening of October 21st, families and friends gathered to celebrate Halloween with some festive fun. From We Can’t to We Can organized the event for children who are differently abled and their families. They enjoyed games, roller skating, a ride on the carousel, refreshments, and an inclusive costume contest.
Held at Harbaugh Village in Mullica Hill from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the Fall Carnival was a lively in-person event that engaged attendees with interactive fun. The event welcomed many guests and brought the community together to support disability inclusion through entertainment and play. Volunteers played key roles as game attendants, event greeters, costume contest judges, and set-up crew members, making sure the carnival ran smoothly.
The primary goal of the Fall Carnival was to raise awareness about disability representation while embracing a sense of community. By incorporating accessible activities and engaging volunteers, the event successfully highlighted our nonprofit’s mission: championing for the rights of disabled individuals and fostering diversity through authentic representation.
The Falloween Experience
Guests were greeted with a warm welcome as they entered the carnival, where kids and families participated in an array of fun activities. From carnival games to roller skating and crafts, there was something for everyone. Enthusiastic volunteers encouraged friendly competition at the game stations and facilitated creativity at the craft table, ensuring that all guests had a great time.
“The carousel was my favorite activity tonight!” exclaimed AnnaMae of Gloucester City, who also shared her excitement about the event. This was not her first time attending; in fact, she had been featured in two previous fashion shows organized by
From We Can’t to We Can. Dressed as Priscilla Presley, she shared her love for Elvis when asked about her costume, fondly recalling her recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she had the chance to see Priscilla. "I love Trinity and the community events," she added enthusiastically.
The winners of the costume contest included: first, Hannah dressed as a cupcake, second place to twins Willow and William who were dressed as Minions, and third place to Josiah as Spiderman.
Community Impact
The Fall Carnival was more than just a night of fun—it aligned with our mission to foster inclusivity and understanding. By celebrating diversity and creating opportunities for everyone to participate, the event reinforced the importance of disability representation in mainstream culture.
The Mayor of Mullica Hill, Louis Manzo, and Washington Township Council President Peter Del Borrello III also made surprise visits and joined in on the festivities. Before the costume contest winners were announced, I asked Councilman Del Borrello about the significance of community events like the Fall Carnival. He shared that it was his first event with the nonprofit, adding that inclusive community initiatives hold a special place in his heart. He emphasized how events like those organized by
From We Can’t to We Can are inspiring and life-changing for him.
Councilman Del Borrello mentioned his previous interactions with Miss Wheelchair NJ Kelly Stout and his advocacy for "Jake's Place," a handicap-accessible playground project. He remarked, "A lot of people think about being Democrat or Republican, but at the end of the day, events like this are what truly make a difference in our community." The event left a lasting impression, spreading both joy and awareness throughout the community.
Remarks of Gratitude
We extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making the Fall Carnival such a memorable and impactful event. I loved seeing the joy on each attendee’s face! It was a privilege to be able to meet amazing people and to have the opportunity to tell their stories. As a child, my favorite part about Halloween was handmade costumes and festive fun with friends. I commend Trinity for organizing events that prioritize children and empower them to be their authentic selves. Stay tuned for future events, including our upcoming winter holiday celebration with Sensory Santa, delicious food, crafts, and much more. Together, we’re building a more inclusive world, one story and one smile at a time!
Feel free to check out the event recap and accompanying photos on our Facebook and Instagram pages. To keep the momentum going, consider supporting us by attending future events, volunteering, or donating. Every contribution helps amplify the voices of disabled individuals and supports inclusive media creation. You can visit our website to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
You may want to read more of our blog...
We Can Blog
