Event Information

Walk Day Information

The Western New England Walk Now for Autism is a family-friendly event so bring the whole family along.  There are activities for the children, resources for families, light refreshments and entertainment.

Date:
Saturday, September 13, 2008

Location:
Stanley Park
400 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA  01085

Time:
Registration opens: 9:00 am
Resource Fair opens: 9:00 am
Walk Start: 10:00 am


Where do I park?
Walk parking will be located at Westfield State College in the “South Lot” Parking Area, which is located on Western Avenue, the same street as Stanley Park.  Shuttle buses will be provided to and from the parking lot.  Please allow extra time for the shuttle bus.  Handicap parking ONLY at Stanley Park.  There will be a drop-off/pick-up area at Stanley Park that will be clearly marked with Walk signs.  Feel free to drop-off people and or supplies at the Park and then proceed to Westfield State College “South Lot” Parking Area, there will be signs directing you along the way.

Visit this link for driving directions to Stanley Park/Westfield State College. 



Who will be there?
A live band will be entertaining the crowd along with Geoffrey from Toys”R”Us and much more!  We will do our best to control the noise level in the park, but the music may become loud at times.  Please be sure to bring earplugs if necessary.

We are pleased to welcome back Doug Lizette of CBS3 as our master of ceremonies along with local service providers and sponsors at the Resource Fair, and of course, hundreds of families and friends like you!


Will there be refreshments?
Yes!  We are pleased to announce that Subway will be providing lunch for all walkers.  Autism Speaks is incredible grateful to Subway for their generous contribution.  There will be additional snacks and bottled water available.  This year, breakfast will not be provided so please be sure to eat before you arrive. 

Note:  All of the refreshments provided are donations to Autism Speaks so we unable to accommodate special dietary needs.  If someone in your party has a dietary restriction please bring something for them from home. 


Where do I check in?
Everyone MUST check-in at the Walk event to ensure that we have accurate participation totals, and also so we can be certain that each participant has signed a waiver form.

If you have registered online, please go to the “Pre-Registration” tent.  There will be two lines to choose from one if you have money to turn in and the other if you do not have donations to turn in. 

If you have not yet registered, please go to the “Registration” tent.  There will be two lines to choose from, one if you have donations, the other if you are simply a Walk participant. 

If you received a check-in envelope in the mail, please bring it with you on Walk day.  Donations, along with a donation form for each check, can be placed inside.  Seal the envelope and bring it with you.  Please feel free to make multiple copies of the donation form. 

If you registered within 2 weeks of the walk, we may not have had time to send you an envelope.  If you have donations, please place them, along with a donation form for each check, inside of any envelope and staple the sheet to the outside.  
 
Remember – every participant that raises $100 or more will receive a Western New England Walk t-shirt on Walk day.


What will I do after the Walk?
The Walk route itself should take between 30-45 minutes to complete.  After that, you are welcome to enjoy the live entertainment, Autism Speaks information, Resource Fair, movement area, bubble station or get your face painted.  


Are pets allowed at the Walk?
Sorry but, pets are NOT allowed.  Many affected children have a fear of animals and even the sweetest pet could negatively affect another participant.  Please be sensitive to this issue and leave your pets at home.  Only service animals are permitted at the Walk.


Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed at the Walk?
Yes.  Strollers, wheelchairs and even wagons for the little ones are all welcome.


Are bikes, rollerblades, scooters or skateboards allowed at the Walk?
For everyone's safety, we can not allow any of these items.


What happens if it rains on the day of the Walk?
All walks will be held on the date scheduled "rain or shine.”


If you have any other questions or need additional guidance, please contact us via email at westernnewengland@autismspeaks.org or phone 888-627-6227.