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We are thrilled for the MDSC Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 13th, and we cannot wait to celebrate with you at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield!

THANK YOU and your friends and family for being a part of the largest celebration of the Down syndrome community in Massachusetts! Congratulations – the funds you help to raise directly fund vital MDSC programs, services, and advocacy efforts! When you spread the word on Facebook, X, or Instagram, be sure to tag the @theMDSC and use our event hashtags #theMDSC. We are confident that we can achieve our goal with your continued outreach efforts. All funds raised for the walk will go directly toward helping MDSC's many family support, education, self-advocate, public awareness, and advocacy programs across Massachusetts and beyond!

Walk-ins are welcome – please not walk-in registration rates are $30 for adults and $15 for youth (22 and under). Please note that only participants who pre-registered will be guaranteed a Buddy Walk t-shirt. T-shirts for walk-ins are first come, first serve.

The Buddy Walk is RAIN or SHINE, so please dress accordingly. You may bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you would like to set-up a spot for your team to sit. NOTE: pop-up tents are not permitted by the town of Wakefield.

IMPORTANT DAY OF EVENT DETAILS

Schedule of Events

10:00 AM - Shuttle Bus Begins Running from the parking lot

11:30 AM - Registration opens

12:00 PM - Balloon Artists & Magicians on field, performance by musical preformers, Children's Activities open, MDSC exhibit tables open

12:10 - 12:40 PM - Live Performance on Stage

12:45 - 1:00 PM – On Stage Program Performance

1:00 PM - Opening Ceremony

1:30 PM - Official Beginning of Walk around Lake Quannapowitt (note: there are 2 bus stops around the lake for walkers who want to walk shorter distances)

2:40 PM - Post-Walk Program

2:45 PM –After-Party Kick-Off with DJ Dan

2:50-3:30 PM – After-Party

3:30 PM - Closing Remarks

 

Buddy Walk Day of Activities:

Live entertainment

Post-walk Dance Party with DJ Dan

Knucklebones

Face Painters

Balloon Artists

Costume Characters

Field Games

Arts & Crafts

And much more!

Food Services:

There will be no pre-purchased bag lunches this year.  There will be donated snacks and beverages.  Also, LaQchara food truck will be on site as well as INspire Cafe - be sure to check them both out!

Stop by the Exhibitor's Tents!

First Call: Families are invited to visit the play area with Sarah Cullen 

Familia Latina

Grandparents Support Group

Children's Hospital Down Syndrome Program

Education

Grandparents Support Group

Teen and Adult Programming

Legislative Advocacy

Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome (DADS)

LuMind/IDSC Foundation

La Rosas Lab - ABC-DS

Massachusetts General Hospital Down Syndrome Program