WESTAMPTON – The Burlington County Spring Resource Fair and Egg Hunt returns this month with plenty of seasonal fun for children with disabilities and their families.
The annual event will be held Saturday, March 28, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Burlington County Special Services School, 20 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton. The free, inclusive festival will feature sensory-friendly egg hunts and other games, music, food and touch-a-truck displays, plus information from dozens of vendors, agencies and service providers.
The event is sponsored and organized by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office, Burlington County Special Services School District and Burlington County Commissioners. It is one of the largest and most popular events of its kind in South Jersey.
“Every child should have the chance to enjoy egg hunts and other spring festivities, and this event is one of the few of its kind in the area that’s specifically designed to be sensory-friendly and accommodating to children with different abilities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo. “As the parent of special needs child, I know how important it is for them to feel included and part of a community. I’m proud that Burlington County offers inclusive events like this one to let all children participate and experience the fun and excitement of the spring season.”
Dr. Ashanti Holley, superintendent of the Burlington County Special Services School District/Burlington County Institute of Technology, said the Spring Resource Fair and Egg Hunt is an event that students, parents and school staff look forward to each year.
“This event is about more than an egg hunt. It is about creating moments where our students feel seen, included, and celebrated. Seeing our families come together, smiling and enjoying time with one another, reminds us why this work matters,” said Dr. Holley. “We are grateful to the Burlington County Commissioners for helping us create experiences that bring joy to our students and strengthen the bonds within our community.”
“It’s extremely gratifying to organize a community event like this one that allows children and families to come together and enjoy seasonal fun in a safe environment,” added Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis. “This event also gives our officers, along with other first responders, opportunities to share safety information and interact with residents to build stronger community ties.”
AngelSense and Register Ready programs
Among the services residents can learn about at the Spring Resource Fair and Egg Hunt is the Sheriff’s Office upgraded locator technology, AngelSense. The service allows the Sheriff’s Office and participating police departments to track and locate vulnerable residents, including children with developmental disabilities and adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Staff from the Burlington County Department of Public Safety and Office of Emergency Management officials will also be available to answer questions about the New Jersey Special Needs Registry for Disasters, also known as Register Ready. Registering helps emergency management coordinators plan and manage disaster responses so that residents with disabilities, mobility challenges or other functional needs receive whatever assistance they require during an evacuation or emergency. All information is held securely and used solely for emergency planning and response. To register, go to go to https://nj.gov/njoem/plan-prepare/registerready.shtml .
In addition to the egg hunts and other games, children can enjoy the Special Servies School’s inclusive playground and barrier-free equipment, including adaptive swings, sensory-friendly playhouses, slides and more.
The playground was funded through a special cost-share agreement between the school district and the Burlington County Commissioners.
“Whether it is creating inclusive playgrounds and trails or events like the Spring Resource Fair and Egg Hunt, Burlington County strives to be one of the most inclusive and accessible destinations in the nation,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell, the liaison to county schools. “Our county doesn’t just talk about becoming more inclusive, we make changes and take action to ensure residents of all abilities and their families feel welcome and included.”
