HUBBARD — Several dozen cars packed a field near the Cornerhouse Christian Church as parents with their special-needs children enjoyed the fourth annual Fall Festival and Special Needs / Disability Resource Fair hosted by the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley.

Founder of the Autism Awareness Training and Acceptance Program, which also hosted the event, Justin Meade said, “This event is an autism and special needs awareness and acceptance event for all in the Mahoning Valley. It is also a fundraiser for our nonprofit, AATAP.”

The event has become a welcomed fixture in the community, especially for parents like Tammy Parteleno, who attended the fest with her visually impaired son, Michael Parteleno.

Tammy shared, “It’s spread out, everyone isn’t on top of each other. For some of the kids, like my son Michael, when there’s so much going on it’s overwhelming and he can’t focus, so this is a nice environment for him.”

Ghouls, ghosts and goblins frequented the event as children donned their Halloween costumes for a trunk or treat. More entertainment included play areas, therapeutic animal petting, face painting and games.

The Hubbard police and fire departments also were in attendance, allowing kids to take pictures in emergency vehicles and meet first responders.

“We work with individuals and their families, providing safety education and resources, and being more familiar with police and other first responders. We also are dedicated to training first responders and providing practical de-escalation and crisis intervention training to as many first responders as we can reach,” Meade said.

Several mental and physical health organizations, including Easterseals and Progressive Therapy ABA, provided information about special needs and disability to parents.

Some parents particularly were appreciative of a vendor offering “sensory boxes” that came with items like squishy toys that allow children to engage their sense of touch through different textured items.

ASMV Director Robin Suzelis said she was pleased with the turnout.

“A lot of times families with special-needs children don’t have fun opportunities to look forward to. It’s a nice way to provide that comfortably with no judgment.”