The Down Syndrome Network (DSN) is excited to celebrate our 21st Buddy Walk. It is a special way of celebrating our individuals with Down syndrome and how East Central Illinois accepts and includes them. Funds raised from the Buddy Walk help the DSN host educational and social events throughout the year.

2025 THEME: ROCK THE WALK

Since 1995, the National Buddy Walk Program has been the premier Down syndrome awareness, advocacy and peer-to-peer fundraising program in the world. It was created by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) to promote acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for local and national incentives to support the Down syndrome community. Today, more than 200 Buddy Walk events take place in cities across the country and in select international locations. (as published at NDSS.org, 7/8/24)

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, THE BUDDY WALK WILL FEATURE:

Club 321 Dance Party featuring DJ Rad Rock spinning all of the favorites.
Silent Auction
Food Trucks

Friday, October 3
3:30 - 5:30 pm | Team Captain T-Shirt Pickup at Kesler Hall on the Fairgrounds

Saturday, October 4
9 am | Registration Desk Opens / Team T-shirt Pickup

9 am | Buddy Walk Village Opens for Setup
BYOS* ~ Set up your area using your equipment
(no early setups are allowed)

10 - 11:30 am | Silent Auction

10 am - 1:00 pm | Touch a Truck, Inflatable Games, Club 321 Dance Party

10 am - 1:00 pm | Food Trucks Open (Come Get This and Kona Ice)

11:40 am | Silent Auction Winners, Team Awards & Special Announcements

12:00 - 12:30 pm | Buddy Walk

After 1 pm | Grounds Clean Up***

*BYOS - Bring Your Own Setup: Bring your pop-up tents, tables, chairs, or whatever else you need for your group.
***Grounds Clean Up: We ask that everyone helps clean up the grounds after 1:00 pm.