For the third year in a row, people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can celebrate the Fourth of July free from the blasts of fireworks.
The Sensory Sensitive Fourth of July celebration was designed to accommodate those who are sensitive to loud noises, such as people on the autism spectrum, veterans and some pets. The free celebration is from 6 to 10 p.m. July 3 at the Sound at Cypress Waters, 3111 Olympus Blvd.
“When it’s something like July Fourth that always has a fireworks component built in — this was a super cool idea, you know,” Jacquie Benestante, executive director of the Autism Society of Texas said. “So it is the first time I’ve seen an actual July Fourth event, or anything with fireworks, be sensory-friendly.”
The idea for a sensory-sensitive Fourth of July event came to Marci Parrish when her team at Billingsley Company was brainstorming ideas for a stand-out Fourth of July event, she said. They realized the area didn’t have any Fourth of July gatherings for people who were sensitive to loud noises.
“We just thought ‘OK, there’s not that option in this metroplex anywhere,’ so we just decided to create it and see how it went,” said Parrish, the company’s marketing manager.
Parrish estimated a little over 5,000 people participated in the inaugural festival. Attendance increased to 6,200 during the second year, and Parrish hopes about 6,000 people will attend this year.
One of the attendees last year was Cescilly Smith-Jenkins. As board vice president of the Autism Society of Texas, she helped the organization table at the event. She also attended as a mother. Myles, her 8-year-old son with autism, came to the event with her.
Smith-Jenkins said one of her favorite parts of the night was being able to enjoy the concluding light attraction — a laser show — without the sound of fireworks, as her son also has sensory-processing disorder. One of Myles’ favorite parts was a bubble machine that was set up near her organization’s table, she said.
“It’s so important to have inclusivity and have things that we can attend and not have to sit at home or … [miss] things that, you know, other people get to enjoy,” Smith-Jenkins said. “And so I’m excited. … That’s why I’ve been going and loving to go to this event, because it just shows us that the community cares about our family.”
According to the event’s schedule, attendees can participate in activities such as face painting, learning about animals with a creature teacher, playing a variety of instruments with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s instrument petting zoo and DJing with Spin the Spectrum, a nonprofit that teaches neurodivergent people how to DJ.
At 7:30 p.m., there will be a two-hour performance by a Taylor Swift tribute band.
Rather than watching fireworks at the end of the night, attendees will wear LED bracelets that light up to a soundtrack as part of a “Star-Spangled Glow” show, Parrish said. For the past two years, organizers attempted laser light shows, but Parrish said they were pivoting to bracelets this year because the laser shows were not effective.
“There’s just a lot to do, or just enjoy the night,” Parrish said. “We just want people to come out that need a stress free environment, and that’s what it is.”
According to the event’s Facebook page, the hosts are the Sound at Cypress Waters; Dallas Animal Services and Adoption Center; Cypress Waters; Friends of Cypress Waters; the Autism Society of Texas and Reputation, a Tribute to Taylor Swift.
For those planning to attend, the event’s website has a “what to expect” story that parents and children can read through. The website also has tips for different groups who may be sensitive to loud noises.
To keep dogs calm during fireworks, the American Kennel Club suggests:
- Keeping dogs away from firework shows
- Making sure your pet has a proper ID in case they escape
- Creating a safe haven for your dog in a quiet space
- Playing white noise
- Comforting your dog
- Walking them before fireworks start
- Desensitizing your dog to the sound of fireworks
- Talking to your vet
- Thinking about hiring a trainer
For those with PTSD, Everyday Health recommends
- Reminding yourself you are not in danger
- Scheduling enjoyable and meaningful activities during fireworks season
- Breathing deeply and slowly
- Trying to reject avoidance tendencies
- Prioritizing your mental health
The Autism Society of Texas and Autism Speaks recommend:
- Planning an event that will work for your loved one with autism
- Preparing for the activity in advance
- Bringing items to help with sensory issues, such as headphone and sunglasses
- Bringing electronic devices, toys and snacks
- Bringing favorite items
- Having an escape route and picking your location wisely
- Not being afraid of trying new things
- Focusing on the fun
- Making sure your child knows how to ask for a break
- Making safety a priority
