The City of Prestonsburg hosted the Sensory Christmas in the Park event last night at Archer Park. The event provided those who might experience sensory overload fun activities and Christmas lights display, with turned down sounds and non-flashing lights with the brightness at a lower settings.

According to Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton, the lights flash a lot and the music is usually very loud. But this sensory event gives those who would be overwhelmed by the usual light display a chance to enjoy it.

The event was in collaboration with the Eastern Kentucky Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder Support Group. The group has advocated for more sensory events for over two years.

The event also hosted sleigh rides and carnival rides that had no lines.

Carnival employees were briefed on autism/sensory needs in order to properly serve guests. There was also a sensory sensitive santa.

Mayor Stapleon also said that it is important for Eastern Kentucky communities to be considerate of individuals with sensory overload.