Eastern Maine’s “Buddy Walk” Changing Name & Location This Year

October is right around the corner, and aside from being the month during which we celebrate Halloween, it's also Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

One local organization is starting that celebration a little bit early, this upcoming weekend, and they're hoping you'll consider joining a fun and informative event to help celebrate and support those with Down Syndrome and their families.

The group Eastern Maine Down Syndrome Support is a local non-profit organization that was started in 2021 by a group of six parents who got together for a playdate in the park.

According to one of its founders, Courtney Sebastiano, that one play date inspired a call to action among the parents involved.

"It was a great time of sharing stories, but we all walked away asking ourselves how we could reach more families. We also saw a need to educate our community!"

The "Buddy Walk, a little extra 5K" was started back in 2021.

Read More: Bangor Walk Planned For Families with Kids with Down Syndrome

It was an event put together to honor children with Down syndrome, to create an opportunity for families who have kids with Down Syndrome to connect with one another, and to raise money to put towards expanding future walks. Organizers had hoped the event would grow. And it did.

The next year, they had double the number of people show up and raised even more money for their cause.

Maine's celebrity TikTok chef, Chef Adam Libby, who himself has Down Syndrome, was on hand to sign autographs and meet fans.   

They also officially changed the name from the Buddy Walk to  the "Eastern Maine Down Syndrome Support Walk, A Little Extra 5 K."

Read More: Bangor 'Buddy Walk' To Take Place Oct. 8 with Local Celeb Chef

This year, they're changing things up a bit, according to Kayla Thompson, Vice President of EMDSS.

"We have moved it to Chaplin Park this year and are calling it 'A little EXTRAextravaganza.' This year is a little different with more focus activities held at the park, with a short walk still taking place. We will have an ice cream truck, face painting, lots of games, arts and crafts, and as always lunch is provided."

Thompson says the shift from the waterfront to the park was made to make it a little easier for everyone who wants to take part in the activities.

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"The shift was made to provide a location more convenient for activities for everyone in the field, while the walk takes place around the field. Making it easier to mingle with other families (or your group) during the event. We want to create an atmosphere where families can connect if they desire and celebrate together!"

"We have a balloon artist, face painter, photographer, ice cream truck, pizza lunch, games, bubble station, arts and crafts."

The event is taking place a little early this year, on Saturday, September 28th. There's a $10 registration fee per person (folks with DS get in for free) and the money they raise goes back into the organization to help families find resources to navigate a Down Syndrome diagnosis. Some of it also goes into making goodie bags for moms whose babies have been newly diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Organizers say they hope to have a good turnout Saturday at Chapin Park.

"Whether someone you love has Down syndrome or you want to come out to help spread awareness and Inclusion, you won’t want to miss this fun-packed day! "

To register for this weekend's "EXTRAextravaganza" you can click here.