Kids With Autism Enjoy Light Show At Allaire Community Farm In Wall

WALL, NJ — With its theme of "Nurture through Nature," Allaire Community Farm in Wall recently hosted kids with autism and their parents to visit its Christmas Light Spectacular - in a way that was most comfortable for them.

Co-owner and Executive Director Jo Ann Burney said that, since 2015, Allaire Community Farm has partnered with POAC Autism Services on numerous farm events that are offered free of charge.

Both nonprofits aim to make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs and autism. POAC stands for Parents of Autistic Children.

On Dec. 14 - during a night of good, if cold weather - the farm hosted the kids and their families free of charge to take in the lights, a giant Santa and dreidel and enjoy a hayride.

"It went really well," Burney said. "Kids can come here and there is no judgment. They can enjoy the night the way they are comfortable."

The Christmas Light Spectacular at the farm is known for its dazzling lights. But for the kids this night, some blinking lights were dimmed a bit and the music was kept quieter, Burney said.

Children could go on the hayride with a group or just walk around with their parents - it was all about feeling comfortable.

And about giving back, Burney said.

"People with autism and their families often have a variety of additional expenses required to meet their unique needs. By offering this no-cost event, families can enjoy a holiday night out without any financial concern," she said.

Later that same evening, Allaire Community Farm then offered rides to their 200-plus volunteers and supporters as a way of saying thank you for their commitment to their mission.

Burney said Allaire Community Farm is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on volunteers and supporters to help with their programs for rescued animals, special needs, at-risk teenagers, veterans and those suffering from PTSD, and families facing cancer, Burney said.

Their support is essential to the success of the many programs offered throughout the year.

"We feel we have been blessed by wonderful people who come out to our farm in all types of weather and help in all different ways. Offering our friends a little bit of Christmas joy under the lights is just one way we can show them how much we appreciate them," she said.

The Christmas Light Spectacular is still open, leading up to Christmas. It was open Friday night, hoping for the rain to clear up, then will be open Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 17 and 18) and then Thursday and Friday (Dec. 22 and 23).

Tickets for the show start at 5 p.m. Burney said she will also try to accommodate walk-in visitors, but she recommends going online. Details and ticket purchases are available online at www.allairecommunityfarm.org.

Hundreds of thousands of lights cover the 25-acre farm and includes two light tunnels, a dancing reindeer and what is billed as the world's largest dreidel, she said.

An indoor display of trains and a Christmas village are also in the market.

The market has additional items available for purchase, including hot drinks and snacks.

Wagon rides, which take approximately 15 minutes, are scheduled every half hour and are $17 per person aged 2 and over.

For more information contact Burney at joann@allairecommunityfarm.org.

The farm is located at 1923 Baileys Corner Road, Wall 07719.