Holiday World hosts private event for special guests

Holiday World's Pat Koch and Easter Seals Pam Kirk share a laugh — Holiday World's Director of Values Pat Koch shares a laugh with Pam Kirk before presenting the Easter Seals with a donation check.

It’s a happy day at Holiday World as a small crowd runs rampant around some of the parks smaller rides. The only customer complaint expected today will come when someone just isn’t ready to get off a ride.

“These kids and caregivers appreciate every moment they have here today.” Pat Koch explained. “This is a day just for them.”

park worker help child onto ride — Isaac, a ride operator, saves the day with some cheeriness and a helpful hand.

For the 19th year Holiday World opened its doors to the many special needs children in our Tri-state area. The annual event traditionally marks the beginning of the park’s season. Over 2500 attended today’s event. For some this is the first time, for others the tenth.

The idea started after staffers attended an annual conference.

“We went to a conference for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and learned about a park in Iowa doing something like this.” Paula Werne, public relations director, explained. “We came back and told Will Koch about it and he was immediately interested in starting something here.”

Holiday World contacted the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Evansville and the annual tradition was born.

boy on carousel — Austin Luff from Chandler hollered at his mom before taking off on the carousel.

The crowd is kept small to allow for the special attention required for this group. Tickets are sold through the Tri-state’s special needs schools, preschools, and associations. The tickets are at a reduced cost and each year in a small ceremony a check for the total amount of ticket sales is donated to the Easter Seals.

Pam Kirk, the director of marketing for the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Evansville, was excited as well. “This year’s donation is the largest ever and it will go a long way in underwriting therapy and services for our kids.”

Kirk went on to explain how 95% of the kids coming to them need assistance. “We won’t turn anyone away.” She explained. “And this helps fill a gap.”

It’s great for the kids and it’s good for the employees of Holiday World.” Koch explained. “The kids just love it and the employees get some experience dealing with some extra special guests.”

presenting the check — This years check was the largest since the events inception.