Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk, Celebration Coming To Potomac

POTOMAC, MD — The annual Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk and Celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Hadley’s Park in Potomac.

The event’s organizer, the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery Country, is expecting more than 500 people at the celebration, a family-friendly event to raise funds and awareness about Down syndrome. The theme of this year’s event is “I am unstoppable!”

The event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with music by A-Squad Entertainment, exercise with Spirit Club, crafts and activities, and a resource tent featuring 19 exhibitors and vendors.

SOMO JOY Cheerleaders from the Special Olympics will perform at 10:45 a.m., followed by opening statements by Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery Country self-advocates. Jackie Zamora of ZamDance will then hold a pre-walk warm-up.

At 11:45 a.m., attendees will walk a 1-mile park route lined with photos of local residents with Down syndrome and inspirational quotes. Following the walk, a food tent will feature pizza from Mamma Lucia's. Post-walk activities will include music, dancing, photo ops, balloon art, and costumed characters.

The event is scheduled to end at 2 p.m.

Walk and event registration will cost $25 online through Oct. 18 and $30 onsite. Registration will include a t-shirt.

The mission of the Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County is to empower and support people with Down syndrome, their families and the community through education, information, public awareness and advocacy.

Hadley’s Park, the site of the event, is located at 12600 Falls Road in Potomac.