Central WI
The Central chapter had a fantastic day visiting Wilkie’s corn maze and pumpkin patch! We successfully navigated our way through the tricky corn maze and enjoyed a fun hayride. The best part? Everyone got to take home the perfect pumpkin of their choosing! A great autumn outing!
Chippewa Valley
Chippewa Valley spent a picture-perfect fall day at Outlaw Farms, surrounded by sunshine, smiles, and the sweetest animals! Families enjoyed petting and feeding everything from fuzzy goats to friendly llamas and feisty kangaroos! We also enjoyed snacking on delicious fall treats and spent time decorating festive pumpkins. It was the perfect way to soak up all the best parts of the season!
Fox Cities
DSAW Fox Cities – October Events Summary
October was a full and festive month for DSAW Fox Cities, filled with community connections, fall traditions, and fun for all ages!
Awareness Walk – October 4
We kicked off Down Syndrome Awareness Month with our annual Awareness Walk on October 4. Families, friends, and supporters gathered to celebrate our loved ones, raise awareness, and enjoy a day of connection and community spirit. (If you’d like the full wrap-up incorporated, feel free to paste it!)
Luv2Play Family Day
Families enjoyed a fun-filled outing at Luv2Play. Kids had a blast exploring the indoor playground, climbing structures, sensory areas, and slides, while parents connected and relaxed. It was a great way to burn off energy and bring families together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Polly’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Outing
Our fall adventure to Polly’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze brought big smiles all around. Families enjoyed a wagon ride to the patch to pick the perfect pumpkin, visited the farm animals, tried the slides and rubber duck races, and tasted delicious apple treats. Those seeking extra excitement ventured into the corn maze for some autumn-themed exploration.
Great Pumpkin Party – Trick-or-Treat Event
To round out the month, we participated in the Great Pumpkin Party at the Autism Treatment Center. Area businesses decorated themed spaces and handed out treats in a fun, safe, and sensory-friendly environment. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy trick-or-treating without the overwhelm of traditional Halloween events.
Green Bay
DSAW Green Bay hosted our Down Syndrome Awareness Walk on October 11, 2025. It was an incredible celebration of community, connection, and inclusion! Families, friends, and supporters came together to walk, laugh, and shine a light on the amazing individuals with Down syndrome in our community.
Greater La Crosse Area
Our 23rd Annual Down Syndrome Awareness Walk at the YMCA in Onalaska on October 4th was filled with laughter, hugs, smiles, a wonderful reminder of how special our DSAW–La Crosse community is! Everyone came together to celebrate the incredible individuals with Down syndrome who inspire us every day.
A heartfelt thank-you to our families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters for making this amazing day possible. Because of you, DSAW La Crosse can continue expanding our events, programs, connections, and resources that empower individuals with Down syndrome to thrive.
Your support makes our community stronger, thank you for being part of such a meaningful day!
Southeastern Region
Sunday, October 5, was a beautiful fall day for the Southeast Chapter’s outing to Swan’s Pumpkin Farm in Franksville. Over 140 people mingled with friends in the party barn as they sipped on cider and enjoyed the farm’s famous apple cider donuts. Families then ventured out to enjoy the farm’s many adventures. Some explored the 5-acre corn maze while others took the opportunity to feed the goats at the petting zoo. Lots of kids played on the big John Deere combine slide and raced each other around the track on pedal karts. A highlight for the afternoon was a ride on the hay wagon through the cornfields to see where the pumpkins and watermelons grow. At the end of the day, everyone went home with a small pumpkin to carve or paint for Halloween.
Sheboygan and Surrounding Counties
In Sheboygan, we enjoyed a fun Trunk or Treat in Glenbeulah along with our monthly Teen Hang Out Club! Our Trunk or Treat allowed community members to walk the red carpet alongside our self-advocates. This was our first community event out in Glenbeulah and we really enjoyed getting to meet the friendly faces of the city! In our Teen Hang Out Club, our self-advocates decorate their own mugs to take home with them!
South Central
Our Fantastic Fall: October Event Highlights for DSAW-SC!
October was bursting with connection, community, and celebration — capped off with our 24th Annual Awareness Walk! Here’s a look back at all the joy-filled moments that made this month unforgettable:
October 4 – Moms Take 5 at JavaAbilities
Our moms gathered at the coziest, most inclusive coffee shop in Monona for support, conversation, and delicious treats. Nothing beats warm drinks and even warmer community!
October 5 – 24th Annual Awareness Walk
What an incredible day! We celebrated with 27 teams, 30 volunteers, and raised over $65,000 to support our mission. Smiles, sunshine, and so much love filled the day!
October 9 – Grandparents Support Group
Our amazing grandparents connected, shared stories, and built community over coffee and compassion.
October 11 – Edgerton Teen Club
Teens gathered for friendship, fun, and laughter — always a highlight of our month!
October 11 – Sassy Cow Creamery Tour
A sweet (and tasty!) adventure on the farm! Families enjoyed behind-the-scenes views, cute cows, and a well-earned ice cream treat.
October 12 – Bowling in Janesville
Strikes, spares, and lots of cheering! Our bowling crew lit up River Edge Bowl with energy and smiles.
October 19 – Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch
A picture-perfect fall outing! Acres of pumpkins, flowers, baby goats, activities, and endless joy.
October 20 – Dinner & a Movie (Adults 18+)
A relaxing evening out with great food, great company, and great film vibes. The perfect fall night!
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout October — your energy and enthusiasm make our community so special!
