Hawkeye Downs Announces First-ever Sensory-Friendly Night at Santa Village Hosted by ChildServe
DES MOINES, Iowa – Hawkeye Downs is proud to partner with ChildServe, a specialty pediatric healthcare organization, to host the first-ever Sensory-Friendly Night at Santa Village on Thursday, December 5. During the Sensory-Friendly evening, Hawkeye Downs and ChildServe will create an environment designed for children, teens and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind, so families who have a member with special healthcare needs can visit, explore and enjoy the event.
“Our Hawkeye Downs staff and volunteers have worked hard to make this a free event for all Eastern Iowa families with the support of many community individuals and organizations,” said Jennifer Lawrence, Hawkeye Downs Executive Director. “We believe that everyone should enjoy the holidays without added financial stress. We hosted tens of thousands in attendance last year, and we plan for the same this holiday season.”
The 2024 Santa Village night will offer activities planned with modifications, including the mitigation of sounds and motions as much as possible. A ChildServe calming space will be available and staffed by ChildServe therapists. If an individual gets overstimulated at the event, this space will provide families a safe space to take a break. Activities are in place for individuals who need relief from the event’s stimulating environment as well as those who need to release energy to regulate their bodies.
“ChildServe therapists have the expertise and passion for helping children and young adults of all abilities,” said Teri Wahlig, M.D., ChildServe CEO. “At our other sensory-friendly community events, such as the Iowa State Fair and Iowa Cubs game, we have found our therapists can partner with families, who know their children best, to help calm their child with sensory needs and make these must-see Iowa events enjoyable and inclusive. ChildServe commends Hawkeye Downs for helping make this evening special for Iowa children and families.”
Information on Santa Village at Hawkeye Downs can be found online at https://www.hawkeyedowns.org/santavillage
Accessible parking is located along the front entrance of the Expo Hall with multiple ramp access points onto the sidewalk. Restrooms are located on the west side of the building.
DATE: Thursday, December 5
TIME: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION: 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
WHO:
Jennifer Lawrence, Hawkeye Downs Executive Director
Nicole Schroeder, Hawkeye Downs Board Member
Rachel Kongshaug, ChildServe Rehabilitation Manager
Jordan Juhl Marcon, ChildServe Director of Public Relations
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About Hawkeye Downs
Each year, this premiere venue hosts dozens of trade shows, conventions, and gatherings in its exposition halls and on its racing grounds. Hawkeye Downs is also home to one of two asphalt racetracks in the state of Iowa. Every May through August, you can hear the roar of race engines almost every weekend. Founded in 1925, Hawkeye Downs was previously known as Frontier Park and the Cedar Rapids Speedway. Hawkeye Downs is a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, celebrating 100 years of racing in 2025. More information is available at www.hawkeyedowns.org.
About ChildServe
ChildServe is a specialty pediatric healthcare provider for children and young adults with special healthcare needs. For over 95 years, the organization has partnered with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. ChildServe provides more than 30 services to over 5,800 children in Iowa each year. The organization’s array of services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can get many of their child’s needs met in one location. ChildServe’s key focus areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services.
