Colchester Adult Day Program participants strolled through the Champlain Valley Fair last week, excitedly visiting barn animals, taking in pig races, safari showcases and munching on fare from an assortment of local eateries. Some played carnival games, winning large stuffed animals as prizes, while others eagerly pet rabbits and watched dogs jump through hoops.
Participants say they look forward to the annual trip, which started over a dozen years ago. This year, 71 people attended the annual trip – 33 participants, 23 volunteers, 13 UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice staff members and two family members of participants – and enjoyed all it had to offer.
“Participants are so excited about this event each year!” Colchester ADP supervisor Donna LaFromboise-Perretta said. The trip allows participants to get out in the community, enjoy the sunshine and socialize in an entertaining environment.
Harka is excited to get going!
Naina, a caregiver and Nepali translator, wheels a participant around the fairgrounds.
Volunteers and participants were all smiles on Tuesday!
Hem takes a few minutes to look at the chickens.
Chicks, chicks and more chicks!
Naina poses with a horse.
Maina reaches to pet the horse.
Participant Maryann, right, is pictured with her husband and granddaughter, who joined the festivities on Tuesday.
Daniele pets the rabbit.
Hem was very excited to pet the rabbits.
Three participants and caregiver Dede wave to their friends across the fairgrounds.
Hello from the stands, where participants watched a pig race.
Onlookers at the pig race.
Not only pigs raced, but weiner dogs too.
On your marks, get set, GO!
Neil, a UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice caregiver with the ADP program, carried paper and pen to write down Nepali translations for popular fair objects and animals.
Albeit not part of the fair festivities, petting a nearby dog was of great interest to participants.
Laxi reaches to pet the sheep.
Laxi makes a new friend.
Maina reaches to pet the sheep.
On the way to lunch!
L to R: Volunteer Sue, participant Peanut and Heather Filonow, executive director of Community Care Services.
Peanut says he looks forward to the fair every year.
Participants Nancy and Michelle take a lunch break.
Participant James is pictured in the food tent, where fair-goers enjoyed Al’s French Fries, Skinny Pancake, blooming onions, fried dough and other fair classics.
Darryl spent the day exploring with Daniele, a UVM Health Network – Home Health & Hospice customer service representative.
Darryl pets the horse.
Sue and Laxi are on their way to the barn.
Darryl is in good company!
Volunteer Faith and participant Maina stroll by the animals.
A group of Colchester Adult Day Program participants gives a wave before heading to see the barn animals at the Champlain Valley Fair.
