Tennessee Valley Fair’s Midway Provider Receives Sensory Inclusive Certification
Knoxville, TN (August 28, 2024) — Kissel Entertainment, the midway provider for the Tennessee Valley Fair, is thrilled to announce that they have become the first traveling entertainment provider to be Sensory Inclusive™ certified by KultureCity. This certification will be making its Tennessee Valley Fair debut this year.
This certification underscores Kissel’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with sensory needs can fully enjoy events. KultureCity has provided certification and training to over 2,000 venues, organizations, and small businesses across the United States, including major stadiums and cultural institutions worldwide. Their Sensory Inclusive™ program equips staff with the necessary training and resources to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, PTSD, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions.
“Becoming Sensory Inclusive™ certified was extremely important to us, not only professionally, but personally,” said R.A. Kissel of Kissel Entertainment. “This certification ensures that everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can partake in the fun and excitement of our fairs and events comfortably and safely.”
“The Tennessee Valley Fair is a community event. This certification reflects Kissel’s commitment to ensuring that all members of our East Tennessee community, including those with sensory sensitivities, feel welcomed and included. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for all our guests this year." said Scott Suchomski, Executive Director of the Tennessee Valley Fair.
As part of the certification process, Kissel Entertainment staff underwent training from leading medical and neurodivergent professionals to recognize and assist guests with sensory needs and manage sensory overload situations. Additionally, Kissel Entertainment will now provide sensory bags equipped with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, strobe reduction glasses, VIP lanyards, visual cue cards, and weighted lap pads. These resources will be available for guests to pick up at the Kissel Welcome Center.
The Tennessee Valley Fair is September 6th-15th, 2024. Learn more at tnvalleyfair.org.
About the Tennessee Valley Fair
The Tennessee Valley Fair is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting thousands of attendees each year. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and variety of unique foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers great entertainment for the entire family. The Tennessee Valley Fair is proud to present nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. For more information, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org or call (865) 215-1471.
Contact:
Abby Villas
Marketing Coordinator
(865) 215-1473
abby@tnvalleyfair.org
www.tnvalleyfair.org or (865)215-1471
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