On Saturday, October 6, 2012, the Berkshire County Arc Down Syndrome Family Group celebrated October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month by hosting the sixth annual “Buddy Walk of the Berkshires” ® with approximately 1000 people participating in the 1.5 mile walk in Dalton. The walk is one of over two hundred walks across the United States that is supported by the National Down Syndrome Society. The goals of the walk are to promote awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds to benefit the Down syndrome community in Berkshire County.

The event began and ended at Craneville Elementary School, where there was a family picnic along with live music provided by the Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Children’s activities included horse rides provided by PartyTime Ponies, hayrides, a Bounce House, and two show cars provided by Street Legal Autos. The Girl Scouts also had their own craft table set up. There was a special guest appearance from Kathryn Hamilton, a New England Patriots Cheerleader and Wahconah Regional High School graduate; she and a fellow Patriots cheerleader signed autographs and posed for pictures at the park.

Aaron Robb, President of the BCArc Down Syndrome Family Group, Mark Pettus, Berkshire County Arc Board Member, State Senator Benjamin Downing, State Representative Paul Mark and Sheriff Thomas Bowler were all speakers for the event. State Representative Gailanne Cariddi was also there to join in the festivities.

The BCArc Down Syndrome Family Group currently supports approximately 35 Berkshire County residents with Down syndrome and their families. Proceeds from the Buddy Walk will help to provide a brighter future for children, adults, families and friends of people with Down syndrome living in Berkshire County.