A small crowd of children and adults had the West End Fair to themselves Tuesday morning for sensory-friendly activities.

“There’s a need for this within our community so that anyone with sensory issues can enjoy the fair in a quieter atmosphere and with less lights and less stimulation,” said Carol Gouger, who spearheaded the five-member committee that planned this first-time event.

She and Cherie Swink, a committee member, work daily with individuals who have special needs so they brainstormed to decide what would work and what would not.

By the main arena, the Aquatic Acrobatic Show entertained an audience seated on the bleachers for about 15 minutes. Two of the three performers juggled, and they tossed objects back and forth to each other at exceeding speeds while music played and water sprayed from the perimeter of the stage.

Later, two of the performers were dressed as mermaids.

Seven-year-old Rodger Robinson was chosen from the audience to toss a hat onto the performer’s head. The two practiced tossing it back and forth. The man stepped closer and had Rodger place it on his head. He received a red clown nose for his efforts.

Rodger was there with his 4-year-old brother, Clark, and their mother, Elizabeth.

“This was cool,” Rodger Robinson said afterwards.

Down by the ride area, Good Time Amusements offered free rides.

“This was the vendor’s idea. We did not ask for it,” said Swink.

The rides included the Super Slide, carousel, lady bugs and train.

Farmer for a Day, where kids go around collecting fruits and vegetables to put in their basket, was also open.

Kids reached for fake apples and pears from the trees, pulled corn cobs from the stalks and rooted around in sawdust to find the potatoes in the ground. They could even practice milking a fake cow.

Some games near the rides were open. At one, the man handed the kids a red plastic hat full of ping pong balls and they had to toss them into fishbowls stuffed with tissue paper.

Visitors could also walk through the livestock barn and see the animals. It was bath time for some cows, as others laid down in their stalls with a fan blowing on them.

A few food stands were open throughout the fairgrounds so guests could get lunch or a drink.

Renee Keiper, of the St. Matthew’s UCC stand, said business has been great the past two days.

“We absolutely will do this sensory-friendly event again next year. We’re already thinking of what else to incorporate into the morning,” said Gouger.

Senior Citizens Day is Wednesday, with $4 admission for any 65 years or older. There will be a senior program at 5:30 on the main stage.

Thursday is Students’ Day. Bring a school ID badge to receive $4 admission for those 11 and up. For those under 11, admission is free the whole week. There will be free games for kids at 3 p.m. near the livestock area.

Those with a military ID can get in free all week.