Each year, families, friends, and neighbors gather in Findlay for a colorful and joy-filled celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). What began as one mom’s idea to create a meaningful community celebration has grown into a beloved annual tradition: the World Down Syndrome Day Carnival.
The carnival was first imagined by Morgan Greeno after the birth of her son Oliver, who has Down syndrome.
“The idea for the carnival came about when I had only been in the Down syndrome community for about two and a half years,” she shared. “I quickly fell in love with the community and wanted to truly have a celebration for World Down Syndrome Day, but I couldn’t find anything on a large scale like I was imagining.”
Determined to bring that vision to life, she began reaching out to local businesses and community members, sharing her idea and inviting them to help make it happen. Those conversations served a purpose beyond planning an event.
“It allowed me to have several conversations about Down syndrome that likely would’ve never happened,” she said. “It also allowed the community to get involved in something supportive of the special needs community.”
In March 2022, that vision became reality with the very first World Down Syndrome Day Carnival.
The early days required a leap of faith. Months of planning and coordination went into the event, with no guarantee that families or the broader community would show up.
“The first carnival was truly a gamble,” she recalled. “We invested a lot of time with no idea if there would be interest or if anyone would care.”
But the community responded in a big way. More than 225 people attended the very first carnival, exceeding expectations and setting the stage for something much bigger.
“We were elated,” she said. “That first year set a fire within me to grow this event and continue to provide a safe place for everyone to experience the Down syndrome community while having a great time.”
Over the past five years, the carnival has continued to expand. The event remained at its original location for two years before moving to The DOCK at St. Mark’s Church as attendance grew. By 2025, the carnival welcomed approximately 375 attendees, along with more than 50 volunteers who help run games, serve food, organize prizes, and make the day special for every family.
This year marks another exciting milestone as the event moves to an even larger venue — the Findlay High School gym and cafeteria — to accommodate the growing crowd.
The success of the WDSD Carnival reflects the spirit of collaboration within the Findlay and Hancock County community. Local businesses donate supplies, volunteers help organize activities, and community members lend their time and talents to make the event possible.
“The participation to run the carnival, donate, serve food, stuff bags, organize prizes, design shirts, and get the word out is truly a joint effort,” she said.
Beyond the games, food, and fun, the carnival also plays an important role in building understanding and connection.
“I think anytime you provide a safe space to dip your toe into waters that are unfamiliar, there is growth,” she explained. “It may not come overnight, but it’s growth nonetheless.”
At its heart, the event carries a simple but powerful message.
“My overarching goal of the carnival is to display that we are all more alike than different.”
Looking ahead, the vision for the carnival continues to grow. Each year brings new activities, expanded resources, and more opportunities for people who may not yet be familiar with the Down syndrome community to experience its warmth and joy.
“I would love for this event to outgrow the high school someday,” she said. “We want to continue reaching individuals who have never been exposed to the Down syndrome community.”
For this year’s celebration, she’s most excited about seeing the joy the carnival brings to families and the broader community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the pure joy that you can’t help but feel at this very special carnival,” she said. “We have so many great sponsors and a ton of community involvement this year.”
And for families attending for the very first time, she has a simple message:
“Come with nothing and leave with a full heart, full stomach, and a renewed sense of community.”
As the WDSD Carnival celebrates its fifth year, one thing is clear: what started as a hopeful idea has grown into a powerful celebration of connection, understanding, and the incredible community that surrounds individuals with Down syndrome.
This year’s World Down Syndrome Carnival will take place on Saturday, March 21st from 11am to 2pm at Findlay High School, located at 1200 Broad Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840. We hope to see you there!