COEUR d'ALENE - Last year, about 60 people showed up for the Ds Connections Northwest Buddy Walk at Riverstone Park - a pretty good turnout, considering the event wasn't very well-known.

But this year, on a warm September Saturday, close to 500 participants walked the mile-long course around the pond at Riverstone.

They came from Spokane, Post Falls, Lewiston and Sandpoint, a huge laughing mass of kids and parents, friends and relatives, all doing their part to promote awareness and support those affected by Down syndrome.

"We knew it was going to be bigger this year; we just didn't have any idea how much bigger," said Susan Villelli, co-founder of Ds Connections Northwest, a newly-established non-profit organization that hosted the Buddy Walk. "It's been wonderful. It's been amazing."

As walkers crossed the finish line, cheerleaders from Coeur d'Alene High School waved pom-poms and clapped loudly. Some of the youngsters ran off to play games or tumble on the grass. Families grabbed a few complimentary drinks and snacks beneath a large white tent, where there was also a collection of literature devoted to Down syndrome organizations and programs. A musician strummed her guitar in the background.

"I think it's great," said volunteer Sam Brune. "It's amazing how many people came out. It's great for the community, and for everybody to get together."

Brune and another volunteer, Nori Dixon, are part of the Eastern Washington University occupational therapy program. When they heard about the Buddy Walk in Coeur d'Alene, they signed right up.

"I am pretty impressed with the turnout," Dixon said. "It's pretty awesome."

Volunteers were everywhere Saturday, registering walkers, handing out drinks and brochures, making sure the event ran smoothly.

"I bet we have a good 75 people helping us out today," said event coordinator Ellison Sanders. "This year is the first year that we could really go out and advertise, try to get people involved. The Buddy Walk is a trademark of the National Down Syndrome Society, and they sponsor the walks all over the world. We try to make it very inclusive, so everybody can participate."

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Sanders said, but walks are happening throughout the fall. In fact, a huge Buddy Walk took place in New York City on Saturday, and a few of the Coeur d'Alene participants were featured on the Jumbotron at the NYC event.

For children with Down syndrome, the Buddy Walk is an opportunity to get out and have some fun.

"They get to be the stars today," Sanders said. "It's all about them."

Just over a year ago, Villelli and Cheryl Roberts - both parents of children with Down syndrome - started up Ds Connections Northwest, North Idaho's only National Down Syndrome Society affiliate. The nonprofit is committed to education, connecting people affected by Ds, and healthy living for children and adults with Down syndrome.

The Buddy Walk, now a September tradition in Coeur d'Alene, will continue for years to come.

"We're amazed at the amount of support that has come across," Roberts said. "We've got people from all over the Northwest here."

It's good for families to interact at an event like the Buddy Walk, she added. By meeting others in similar situations, parents will understand that they're not alone.

"You want to connect with people that have a similar journey as you do," Roberts said. "People really do want something like that in the community."

Colleen Robinson walked with her six year-old daughter, Cecilia. After they finished the loop, Cecilia could be found playing with the Red Robin mascot, a big red bird who was very popular with the kids on Saturday.

"Last year we only had less than 100 walkers," Robinson said. "I think after this a lot of people will go 'Hey, wow, they're here.' For us it's great to see all the kids, all the grown-ups, all the families."

Ninety-three percent of the Buddy Walk proceeds (collected via registration fees and raffles on Saturday) will stay local, Roberts said, going toward Ds Connections Northwest. The other seven percent will go to the NDSS.

According to NDSS statistics, one infant out of every 733 is born with Down syndrome. There are currently 400,000 people in the United States living with Ds. But even so, medicine and research have come a long way, and public perception has also shifted in recent years, Roberts said. Events like the Buddy Walk prove that people with Down syndrome can lead normal, happy lives.

"There's so much more potential," she said. "When you see someone with Ds, realize that there's a tremendous amount of ability there, rather than disability."