On this special day, the fair wasn’t ‘big and loud and scary’

MONROE — Even though the wallaby ate a sticker off her wheelchair, it was Jaylah Wright’s favorite animal at the petting zoo.

Deer, goats and ducks surrounded her, but she didn’t mind. She was able to enjoy their company Wednesday without the usual crowds at the Evergreen State Fair.

Doors opened a couple of hours early for those with disabilities and their families during the Morning of Dreams. It’s the second time the fair has hosted the event, which sold out last year. The number of tickets was doubled for this fair to 1,000. About half of those sold.

Jaylah, 6, came to the fair with her mom, Holli Butterfield, and two siblings. They live in Duvall.

Jaylah was most looking forward to seeing the animals. She was planning on taking her mom to see the cows and horses later.

“This can be exciting for the kids and the parents,” Butterfield said.

It’s been difficult for the family to do activities together when not everything’s accessible for her daughter, she said.

Butterfield kept the fair a surprise to her kids until they showed up.

Some families have skipped the fair for years because it can be overwhelming.

That was the case for Amy Robl and Carlee Avery, who brought their daughters Wednesday. The girls from Kirkland are best friends and in the same class.

Gabby Robl, 11, and Zefina Avery, 12, ran around from one ride to another without getting lost in a crowd.

Their moms were happy they could have that sort of freedom. The fairgrounds were mostly empty, even after the gates had been open for an hour. About 30,000 people visit the fair each day.

It was the second time Deborah Miller and her daughter, Sarah Miller, had visited the Morning of Dreams.

“Last year was the most perfect fair experience I had ever had,” Deborah Miller said.

Sarah Miller, 11, doesn’t like the crowds, and often has to bring a pair of headphones to reduce the noise. This time they left them at home in Everett.

Sarah Miller was excited to go on the rides.

“Before it was too big and loud and scary,” Deborah Miller said. “In a calmer environment, I think it kind of helps her relax to try new things.”

The girl asked her mom if she could go down the slide and inside the fun house. Both attractions were being offered without the regular lights and sounds.

Throughout the carnival, kids were running and laughing around the spinning bears and the airplane carousel.

Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @stephrdavey.

This story has been modified to correct the spelling of the last name of Amy and Gabby Robl.