DALTON, Mass. — A sea of blue took over parts of Dalton on Saturday as more than 600 people marched to raise awareness for Down syndrome in the 18th annual Buddy Walk. 

 

Onlookers waved at the people decked out in light blue Buddy Walk T-shirts as they marched down Main Street and some side streets. 

 

Prior to and following the event, people gathered at Craneville Elementary School for festivities that included music, raffles, food, lawn games, and more. 

 

Children, families, and community members laughed and played, whether they were having their faces painted, getting balloon animals from BTC Entertainment's balloon artist Andrew, or being lifted in a pyramid by Wahconah Regional High School's cheerleaders, playing with bubblies, or using the school's park equipment. 

 

The goals of the walk are three-fold: to celebrate Down syndrome awareness, to educate the general public and to advocate on behalf of the thousands of Americans born with Down syndrome each year.

 

The Down Syndrome Family Group started as a small group of families that came to Berkshire County Arc urging the need for support, said Berkshire County Arc President and CEO Maryann Hyatt. 

 

"It has grown to this kind of event for 18 years in a row. We provide education, we provide training, we provide community awareness when a family member has a children that's born with a disability," Hyatt said. 

 

"This group, the Down Syndrome Family Group, along with Berkshire County Arc, we are there for them, to help and support them throughout their life. So it has huge, phenomenal impact." 

 

The organization is family driven, BCArc's family advocate Chris Ferrari said.  

 

The Down Syndrome Family Group was started by a small group of families, and it has grown incredibly; however, the goal remains the same: providing support for families and raising awareness. 

 

The Buddy Walk is the organization's biggest fundraising event of the year, Ferrari said. 

 

"Every year they look forward to it. They can't wait," she said. 

 

"There is nothing else like it in Berkshire County," Hyatt added. 

 

The funds raised from the event go toward the Down Syndrome Family Group's programming, which includes stipends, events, training, and any other needs the community expresses. 

 

Photos from the event here.