Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — July 17, 2025 — Ag for Autism will be holding what is described as an unforgettable day of connection, community engagement, and celebration on Saturday, July 26, during Ag for Autism’s Community Fest 2025.
Ag for Autism Vice President Lauryn Tacker said Monday that the main purpose for the event is to connect families with local resources and instill a sense of community through fun activities and a vast range of local resources.
“It’s an opportunity for families, individuals, caregivers, providers, educators, and other people to come out and experience a sensory-friendly event where you can learn about resources that may help you directly if you’re living with autism or a loved one with autism,” Tacker said. “Or even as an educator just learning different things that might help you that you did not know about.”
This is the third year for the free community event. It will feature a variety of activities, including bounce houses, photo ops, door prizes, a kangaroo, food trucks, and around 30 vendors, each of which offer some type of resource for the autism community.
“We’ve asked each vendor to supply a sensory-friendly activity that way if you have a someone with you, then they can interact in that activity while you’re getting information for the resources.”
Tacker also noted the onsite sensory room will be for anyone who needs a safe place to regulate if they begin to become overwhelmed… a place where individuals can self-sooth in private, so they can re-enter the environment and enjoy the day.
The nonprofit also uses this event to publicly award Ag for Autism grants to recipients each year, she said.
“So, if you were awarded an Ag for Autism grant, this is the opportunity where you can be publicly celebrated, and we take pictures and things like that,” Tacker said. “However, we just want everyone in the community to know that they’re welcome at this event. It’s not just for the people that were awarded grants. This event is for everyone in the community that wants to either learn more about autism or learn more about resources or just come out to connect with other families so that we have that community available for them.”
While the grant season is closed for this year, it will be open again next year, she said.
According to the Ag for Autism website, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was established in 2012 as an allegiance of local businesses dedicated to helping local children and families affected by autism. To date, Ag for Autism has raised and granted over $1 million to local schools and individuals.
Community Fest 2025 is Saturday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gardens at Harmony, located at 4517 E. Parker Rd. in Jonesboro.
“It’s just a good event for the entire community to come together and learn more about autism,” Tacker said. “It gives the families a time to connect with not just the resources, but other families as well.”
For more information on the nonprofit grant deadlines, resources, upcoming events, or how to donate or volunteering, visit the Ag for Autism website or follow them on Facebook.