Experience the Magic of Capital Fair: Special Needs Day

Join us for a day full of fun, inclusivity, and accessibility for all.

We welcome families and individuals with special needs to enjoy a magical experience filled with entertainment, rides, and activities designed to ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

Welcome to
Special Needs Day!

In partnership with Hydro Ottawa, The Capital Fair and the World’s Finest Shows Midway have designated a private day full of fun at the fair for children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. This special day offers a unique opportunity for families to enjoy a range of activities in a supportive and accommodating environment.

Hydro Ottawa’s generosity and legion of volunteers make it possible for children who might not otherwise be able to attend a fair to have one of their best days of the year. The dedication and support from these volunteers ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved.

All You Need to Know!

Date and Time:
The Special Needs Day is always the Thursday before the Fair opens.
The event begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at 2:00 PM.
We recommend arriving before 9:30 am for a seamless experience.

Activities and Attractions:

  • Midway Rides: Enjoy quieter and slower rides with assistance from volunteers.
  • BBQ Lunch: A delicious all-beef hotdog lunch served by the Hydro Ottawa Food Preparation Team.
  • Dessert: Chapman’s vanilla ice cream, sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Eastern Ontario.
  • Karaoke Party: Sing along and have fun in the Kid’s area.
  • Live Entertainment: Have fun with a variety of live performances
  • Petting Zoo: Interact with friendly animals in a safe environment.

Welcoming Our Guests:

Upon arrival at 10:00 AM, Hydro Ottawa volunteers will assign lunch schedules and stamp hands, allowing guests to head straight to the rides.

That’s where the fun really begins!

Volunteers from the World’s Finest Midway and Hydro Ottawa will be on hand to assist guests on and off the rides, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Please be sure to thank all our wonderful volunteers and sponsors for their commitment and dedication to making this great day happen!

What Others Are Saying

On behalf of my husband and I, we would like to thank you for organizing the Day for special needs’ children. Our daughter was happy to be there and it was nice to see her smile. It was our first participation and we are grateful to be have been included.

Anonymous

Just wanted to thank you. My son had a wonderful time at the fair on the special needs day. My parents enjoyed it with him.  Hope this continues for many years to come.

Anonymous

I just wanted to THANK YOU for such an incredible day for my son!  He has never been to a fair before, and I wasn’t sure if he would like the rides or not.  He was a bit nervous the first couple rides, and then was eager to do more.  :-) He is a little guy, so he was able to ride most of the rides.  The little kiddie ones were best suited to him.  The fair staff and Hydro Ottawa volunteers were so welcoming, helped lift my son, would bring his wheelchair close to the exit while he was on the ride. It was just such an incredibly positive experience, for a little guy who finds it hard to access things.  Just can’t thank you, the volunteers, the sponsors enough.

Anonymous

Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks to all involved for a wonderful day at the fair.  It is the only fair that our son attends all summer and he really looks forward to it.  He really enjoyed himself yesterday and couldn’t wait to go. Surprisingly one of the highlights for him this year was running into so many people he knew.

Anonymous

Thank you to capital fair and all your sponsors for such a wonderful day. We really enjoyed ourselves. The staff were so kind and helpful. Thank you once again.

Anonymous

How to Apply?

We are excited to welcome you to our annual Hydro Ottawa Special Needs Day!

  1. Applications open every February, so mark your calendars and be ready to apply early as spots fill up quickly. Here’s how you can join us:
  2. Fill Out the Application Form: Once applications open, fill out the form available on our website. It’s quick and easy!
  3. Watch Your Inbox: After submitting your application, keep an eye on your email (and check your junk folder, just in case). If you’re accepted, you’ll receive an email confirmation from us.
  4. Limited Spots: Remember, we can only accommodate up to 1,500 participants each year. Our spots are highly coveted and fill up fast, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances.
  5. Sign the Waiver: Once accepted, you’ll need to sign a waiver to secure a limited number of tickets per person in your party.

Note: Our spots for 2024 are fully booked, but we invite you to apply for the Capital Fair 2025.

Terms and Conditions for Participation

Event Date & Time:

The 2024 Special Needs Day is on Thursday, August 15th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. While families with special needs are always welcome at the Fair, this day is dedicated exclusively to them.

Eligibility:

This event is specifically for special needs children (18 and younger), their immediate families, and/or client attendants. Due to high demand and capacity restrictions, we cannot accommodate additional relatives or friends.

Registration Limit:

Registration is limited to the first 1,500 participants. Each family can bring a maximum of 6 immediate family members. Register no later than two weeks before the event. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is crucial.

Confirmation and Waivers:

e-Confirmations with waivers will be sent to your email about one week before Special Needs Day. If you do not receive your e-Confirmation and waiver, contact us at info@capitalfair.ca.

Check-In:

Check-in is between 9:30 am and 10:00 am at the front of the Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 15th. Present your eConfirmation and signed waivers for every member of your party at the Hydro Ottawa Registration Tent. Each member must have a signed waiver, even if they are not participating in rides. Only then will you receive your bracelet/hand stamp to access the grounds.

Important: No waiver, no access, no exceptions.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Special Needs Day

The Special Needs Day begins at 10:00 AM on August 15th, typically the Thursday before the Fair opens for general admission.

You can get involved as a volunteer or sponsor by visiting our Get Involved page and following the relevant links.

Pets are not allowed at the Capital Fair.

General admission ticket prices are available on the Pricing page of our website. However, there is NO cost for our Special Needs Day.

Yes, there are food options available, including a BBQ hotdog lunch and ice cream for Special Needs Day participants.

Sign Up for Special Needs Day

Don’t miss out on a day filled with fun, inclusivity, and unforgettable experiences at The Capital Fair!