Arts, Beats, and Eats with a side of Autism

Every Labor Day weekend there's a big festival in town called Arts, Beats, and Eats. It's part art fair, part music venue, part taste fest. That's pretty much why it's called Arts, Beats, and Eats, ya dig? It's always a huge ordeal. Loads and loads of people. It starts Friday afternoon and lasts until Monday evening, filling up the streets of downtown Royal Oak, Michigan. It's always fun to go for a bit, but usually during the day. It's a little too overwhelming for me to be in such a huge crowd of gross, drunk people during the evening. 

This year, the Autism Alliance of Michigan opened up the festival an hour early to families of children with Autism. We had to the whole place to ourselves before the crowds rolled in. Plus, we got free admission and access to all the rides and carnival-like family activities! There was even a free pizza lunch, but it didn't suit our dietary needs, so we didn't take part in that. 

Little Bird loved riding the rides. She's so sensory seeking that she loves the twirly, up, down, and all around things. I hate that stuff. I swear, I'm ready to vomit before the creepy carny guy hits the switch to start. Still, we had a great time and we owe it all to the Autism Alliance! We'd never have tried to take LB there otherwise. 

signing the thank you card to the festival organizers

On top of the ferris wheel. "don't look down. don't look down. don't look down"

She loved the fun house!