POST FALLS — An Easter-themed autism awareness carnival to benefit local families will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Post Falls nonprofit Neighbors N Need Play Center and Family Boutique is inviting one and all to join in the fun.

"This is an important event because we all need an increase in our emotional health," Neighbors N Need founder Sherri Richardson said Tuesday. "We need connection and we need to be able to support our families with autism."

Carnival-goers will have opportunities to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny and to make their own cotton candy with Spokane Sugar Candy. The Post Falls Police Department and the Post Falls High School Kiwanis Key Club will run the game booths. The sensory play center will be available for $5 per child and free for parents.

Easter egg hunts will be held for different age groups starting at 10 a.m. The egg hunt for children 7 and older is at noon.

Free autism resources and bags including seatbelt covers will be provided.

All proceeds from the carnival will support Neighbors N Need's autism program as well as Presley's Program, which supports a nominated local family in need.

Neighbors N Need is a sensory play center, toy shop and children's thrift boutique that encourages full-inclusion friendships by hosting community events and offering sensory play all year to support growth and development for all children and providing support for children with autism and sensory processing disorders.

"Everyone I've met knows someone with autism," Richardson said. "It's about supporting each other, having some fun and getting excited about the nice weather."

Admission to the carnival is free. Visit https://bit.ly/39taen2 to purchase 25 carnival tickets for $20 ahead of time.

Neighbors N Need is at 2700 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls.

Friday is World Autism Awareness Day, a day that aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism. Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact and impacts the nervous system. The range of symptoms widely varies. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication and/or social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors.

Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational and family therapies, may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Info: www.neighborsnneed.wixsite.com/neighborsnneed