ROCHESTER LILAC FESTIVAL INTRODUCES
NEW DEDICATED SENSORY SPACE
Partnership with AutismUp to Support Visitors with Sensory Sensitivities
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Monday, April 15, 2024 – The Rochester Lilac Festival is proud to announce a new partnership with the local non-profit AutismUp. The two organizations have collaborated to create a new free experience for festival visitors this year – a large tent and outdoor area that will act as the Festival’s official Sensory Space.
The Sensory Space will be located within park grounds near the Elmwood entrance point, away from the music and busy common areas. The tent space is being designed and outfitted by AutismUp as part of their Mobile Sensory Site program. The 200 sq. ft. tent space will include soft lighting and activities like coloring books, music, books, comfortable seating, weighted lap pads, Yogi balls, fidgets, noise canceling headphones, and other items that aid in regulation. AutismUp staff and volunteers will be on-hand during Festival hours to support visitors.
“At AutismUp our mission is to improve the quality of life for those impacted by autism and other disabilities,” said Kelly Conlon, Director of Support Services and Member Relations. “This opportunity will allow individuals and their families to experience the Rochester Lilac Festival and know there is a safe and judgment free area waiting for them if they need to take a break. We know many of our member families have not had the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful annual festival happening right down the street from our multi-sensory learning environment at the Golisano Autism Center, and we hope they will feel empowered to try this year. Whether they choose to begin their day in the sensory tent, take breaks at the tent, or end their visit in the tent we hope this space helps them have a positive experience at the Rochester Lilac Festival, and we hope more festivals work with us to provide this incredible opportunity. All families should be able to enjoy these wonderful events our community has to offer.”
The Sensory Space at the Rochester Lilac Festival will also include a several thousand sq ft. outdoor area supported by Savers. Volunteers from Savers will decorate the space to create a relaxing environment with various seating options for visitors looking for a quiet rest spot to recharge.
Visitors to The Sensory Space who require supervision must have a parent, guardian, or responsible adult with them at all times, AutismUp will not be responsible for those utilizing the space. More information about The Sensory Space will be available at www.RocLilacFest.com as further details are defined.
“The Rochester LIlac Festival is a beautiful, time-honored tradition and community asset that everyone should be able to enjoy equally; which is why we’re always looking for opportunities to expand our accessibility offerings,” said Festival Co-Producer Jenny LoMaglio. “Partnering with AutismUp has been a rewarding and enriching experience for us and we’re beyond grateful that they’re sharing their expertise, time, and resources with us so visitors who need it, have a quiet place to recharge.”
Additional accessible offerings include ASL interpreters for our Headlining performances; accessible walkway routes, and nearly a dozen ADA accessible restrooms.
About AutismUp
AutismUp is the leading, local autism support organization in the Greater Rochester and
surrounding areas. Started in 2004 by four moms of newly diagnosed children with autism in a
coffee shop, AutismUp has grown to serve over 3,100 families living with autism. Providing help for today, and hope for tomorrow, our mission is to expand and enhance opportunities to improve quality of life for individuals with autism, and their families, via direct programs, support services, education and advocacy. A founding partner of the Golisano Autism Center, AutismUp is located at 50 Science Parkway, Rochester, NY 14620. Interested volunteers can learn more at https://autismup.org/
About the Rochester Lilac Festival
The Rochester Lilac Festival is an award-winning, time-honored tradition celebrated every spring since 1898, in accordance with the blooming of the most extensive collection of lilacs in the Northeast. On average, more than 500,000 visitors from across Western and Upstate NY, the tri-state area, and Canada attend the 10-day free festival each year.
In 2024, the festival will return with 80+ musical performances, 300+ juried arts and craft vendors, small businesses, kids’ activities, and the star of the show – the fragrant lilac blossoms. The annual event is hosted by the Lilac Festival Board, which includes Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Visit Rochester.
2024 Rochester Lilac Festival Sponsors
KeyBank, Bully Hill Vineyards, Dunkin’, Wilkins RV, Wright Beverage, Zweigle’s, McCarthy’s Tents & Events, Medved Running & Walking Outfitters, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Pepsi, Labatt’s, Genessee Brewing Company, United Health Care, Community Bank, Fidelis Care, Wellcare, House of Guitars, Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, Boulder Coffee Co., MVP Health Care, Crumbl Cookies, ADMAR, Reimer Home Services, Chic-fil-A Irondequoit.
For more information about this year’s event, visit www.roclilacfest.com or on social media at https://www.facebook.com/RochesterLilacFestival/ and @rochesterlilacfestival.
Media Contact:
585-683-5439
High-Resolution Logo Files:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/190Mtn1RSeotBbUEH_hfSsdgxEBiOSJk_
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