Troy Family Daze Kicks Off with Special Children's Event

Fanchon Favors wasn't immediately impressed Thursday during her first visit to the Troy Family Daze Festival, but it's doubtful anyone could tell by the uncontrollable smile on her face as she spun around on the Tilt-A-Whirl during the festival's Special Children's Day.

"I went on the teacups that spin around," Fanchon, a student at Royal Oak Middle School, said while eating lunch. "It's not fast enough."

Fanchon was one of dozens of special-needs students in Oakland County who attended the exclusive kickoff event Thursday morning. The annual event gives children a chance to enjoy the four-day festival without the pressure of long lines and crowded pathways.

"It's one opportunity for them not to have the crowds, so they can learn how to get on and off the rides, and they don't have to hurry," said Marge Brown, a special-needs teacher at Royal Oak High School.

Brown said the helped coordinate the event with some of the other schools participating.

Jeff Uberti, special education teacher at , said the event is fun for students and teachers. "It's a good day," he said. "For us, to get out of the classroom. For them, having a blast."

Sue Boyle, an instructional aide at Wing Lake Developmental Center in Bloomfield Hills, said an outing such as Thursday's wouldn't be possible without the festival's special children's events each year.

"They cater to us and our needs," Boyle said. "Otherwise, we couldn't do it. I can't think of a single fair that they can go to — it's awesome. The kids love it."

Students attending the event are granted free entry and provided lunch and treats at no charge.

"I ate pizza," said Lillian Lazar, a senior at Royal Oak High School, expressing her favorite part of the event. "And cotton candy."

"My favorite is cotton candy, too," said Kaylynn Reynolds, a sophomore at Royal Oak High School.

Students, teachers, parents and caregivers arrived about 10 a.m. Thursday at the grounds, where the Troy Family Daze Festival will run through Sunday. A pizza lunch was provided about 11:30 a.m. inside the church's gymnasium, where Rosco the Clown made balloon art for the children and spread smiles with an infectious laugh.

"I love making people laugh, especially kids," Rosco said, who has been providing entertainment at the festival for decades. "But I've found out that kids are all ages."

Ride operators also gave special attention to those attending the event by starting and stopping rides in strategic locations for children who need help entering and exiting rides.

Rudy Rhymes, who runs the Tilt-A-Whirl for Arnold's Amusement, the company providing the rides for the festival, said the special event in Troy is always a highlight of the year.

"I love to see the kids smiling and having fun," Rhymes said between rides while Fanchon and her Royal Oak nurse, Mollie Henderson, prepared for a spin. "I love working with kids."

And the children seem to like Rhymes, particularly when they are allowed extra time on his ride. Fanchon came back for a second round on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

"We just ate lunch," Henderson said as she settled back for another session of head-spinning fun. "Sure, you want to go again."