Special needs carnival and cardboard regatta kick off Founders’ Days
The first day of Founders’ Days Festival in Algonquin featured what some consider its best features — carnival rides for kids with special needs, and the ever-entertaining Cardboard Boat Regatta on the Fox River.
Going to the carnival without standing in line and battling large crowds really gave her children the chance to enjoy themselves, said Carrie Koenig, of Algonquin. Her 14-year-old son Tyler, who has Cohen syndrome, said he really enjoyed his two turns on the “Freak Out” ride, despite the fact that it made him a bit dizzy.
Teri Lawson, of Algonquin, says she goes every year to the special needs carnival with her son Josh, 13, who has Down syndrome, and his sisters Sarah, 16, and Rebecca, 19. Lawson said she wishes there were more such opportunities at small-town festivals throughout the year.
“It’s really special for them,” she said.
A heavy but brief downpour delayed the start of the regatta, as many of the contestants had to rebuild their boats after their first creations got soaked. Contestants are given cardboard, duct tape — this year it was pink tape, to promote breast cancer awareness — and scissors to build their boats just before the race.
Best friends Holly Gagliano and McKenna Moss, both 12 and from Algonquin, were ecstatic to win the race for kids 12 and under. Their technique?
“Use your hands as cups and scoop out,” Holly said. “Be synchronized!” McKenna added, explaining that they kept a rhythm to their paddling by yelling out “1-2” throughout the race.
Spectator Rosa Short said she loves the regatta’s good-natured fun, and has learned to spot troublesome boats before they even hit the water.
“You have to put tape both outside and inside, that’s how you do it,” she said.
Dave Banet of Algonquin said he researched online the best shape for his boat.
“It’s about efficiency, balance and speed,” he said.
As for which one of his buddies would pilot the boat, the choice fell on Mike Wyland, of Hanover Park, the strongest and lightest of the bunch, Banet said.
The festival runs through the weekend, and will wrap up with fireworks at about 9 p.m. Sunday at Riverfront Park.
For more information visit algonquinfoundersdays.com.