March 19, 2024

Some special needs Iowa kids barred from rides

DAVENPORT (AP) — A Mississippi Valley Fair official has apologized to special needs kids and their parents after some of the children weren’t allowed on some rides.

The Quad-City Times reported some employees of Tom Evans United Shows wouldn’t let the kids get on the rides Tuesday, which was Special Needs Day at the fair in Davenport. Greg Dwyer says his 17-year-old daughter had ridden the Ferris wheel for 14 years in a row, but she wasn’t allowed on it Tuesday.

A phone mail recording said Wednesday that it couldn’t take more messages at the number for Tom Evans United Shows, of Plattsburg, Mo.

Fair director Bob Fox said as he apologized that special needs guests who were turned away are invited back Sunday to “enjoy the fair as it should be.”