Thank you for registering for the Step Up for Down Syndrome 2022. It is hard to believe that our Como Park walk is a little over a week away. We are so thrilled you will be joining us to connect and celebrate with families from all across the state at Como Park in St. Paul.
We have already raised nearly $250,000 towards our goal of $400,000. Your commitment and support to Step Up for Down Syndrome will allow us to:
- launch new support services like our Family Connector and Parents First Call programs;
- grow our World Down Syndrome Day Classroom Kit program which is on track to reach 1,200 classrooms and 27,000 students in 2023;
- offer world class speakers for webinars and educational programming like our Statewide Learning Conference;
- and continue and expand self advocate programs like Improvaneers, Performing Arts, Cooking, and Down To Box.
Visit the DSAMn Program Tent at the walk or go to dsamn.org to learn more.
The information contained in this email will help you navigate the walk, whether you are joining us for the first time or are a seasoned vet. Please pass this along to other friends and family that may be joining.
See you on September 25th!
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Last Chance To Pre-Register Online is Sunday, September 18 |
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The last day to register online and get your FREE T-SHIRT is this SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th at 11:59PM. Here is the link to register: https://www.ds-stride.org/stepupminnesota This is the only way to GUARANTEE a shirt on walk day.
Individuals can still register onsite on walk day for a suggested donation of $5. The $5 onsite registration donation does not include a free t-shirt but does help us cover the costs of putting on this event.
There will be a merchandise booth with DSAMn Be Kind shirts and DSAMn logoed sweatshirts and a VERY LIMITED number of 2022 walk shirts in adult sizes S, M, L, XL available for purchase for $15. We will not have any toddler, youth, or larger adult sizes. Shirts will only be available while supplies last.
So...long story short share this information with friends and family who have not yet registered and remind them to do so by Sunday at 11:59PM!
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This year, you just need to remember 9, 10, 11, 12.
- Doors at 9:00
- Concert at 10:00
- Walk at 11:00
- Dance Party at 12:00
Details below:
9:00 AM - Registration/T-Shirt Pick-Up opens; Shuttle service from Bandana Square begins
10:00 AM - Concert for all ages with our friends KOO KOO KANGA ROO! Awards Ceremony & Program immediately following.
11:00 AM - Official Walk Start
12:00 PM - Dance Party for all ages, after returning from the walk keep your body movin' and dance. Kids area with bubbles & art, as well as catching up with friends at the Self - Advocate tent.
DSAMN Program Tent is open 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Food Trucks are open 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Merchandise is open 9:00AM to 2:00PM
2:30 - Last Shuttle from Como to Bandana Square Parking
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Location: The Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is held at Como Regional Park - Park Midway Picnic Pavilion, also known as East Picnic Grounds or East Pavilions Picnic Area. The official address is 1199 Midway Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55108.
Parking & Shuttle Service: Parking at/near Como Park is limited and can fill up quickly. We will be running continuous shuttles from Bandana Square again this year. Shuttle service starts at 9:00 AM and will run until 2:30 PM. Bandana Square is located at 1021 Bandana Blvd. East in St. Paul.
Registered Walker T-Shirt Pick Up: For walkers who registered on or before Sept. 18, your $5 registration fee included a free t-shirt. T-shirt pick-up for Registered Walkers will be located in a large white tent on the far side of the pavilion. It will be marked by large red balloons and balloon pillars. If you already have your shirt (either you chose shipping or your team captain picked it up for you), you do not need to check in. Please plan to pick up your shirt by NOON - Registered Walker T-Shirt Pick Up will close at NOON.
Onsite Registration: Onsite registration is available for $5. The $5 onsite registration fee does not include a free T-shirt but does help cover the cost of renting Como Park and putting on this event. Onsite Registration is located right by the T-shirt pick up tables. Onsite registration closes at NOON.
Team Donation Drop-Off: If you have cash or checks that you have collected and are planning to bring to the walk, there will be attendants at the T-shirt Pick Up and Onsite Registration tables ready to assist.
Information, First-Aid, and Lost & Found: There will be an information kiosk located in the picnic pavilion area. It will be staffed all day. Staff will have first aid supplies and a walkie-talkie to assist with lost items and lost children/family members.
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Main Location: Como Regional Park - 1199 Midway Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55108.
Parking & Shuttle Service: Bandana Square - 1021 Bandana Blvd. East in St. Paul.
Walk Route: The full walk route is about 2.2 miles and starts at the far end of the Como Regional Park Field and goes around Lake Como. There will be a shorter route (about 1 mile) that is just around the field. Route will be clearly marked.
There will be large colorful balloons flying high above some key locations to serve as location markers to assist you meeting up with your team, friends and family.
Red for T-shirt Pick Up & Onsite Registration
Blue for Program Tent
Yellow for New Parent Meet Up
Pink for Self-Advocate Meet Up
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Tips for First Time Visitors |
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Tracy Hafeman - Director, New & Expectant Parent Program (and veteran Step Up participant) - offers the following tips and tricks to help manage your first walk.
- Arrive early enough to give yourself plenty of time for parking and shuttle. With over 5,000 people attending, parking spots fill quickly and the crowd can feel a bit intimidating at first. Plan on using the shuttle service from Bandana Square.
- Giving yourself plenty of time (and taking a deep breath) will help you feel less overwhelmed!
- Please stop by and check out all of the program offerings in the DSAMn Program Tent (marked by Blue Balloons).
- If you are the parent/family of a child with Down syndrome age 2 and younger, we have a designated New Family area in the Program Tent (marked by Yellow Balloons) that is open all day. It is a great place to meet other families, grab a snack, receive additional resources, and get your "First Walk" sticker.
- If you are meeting up with family and friends, we encourage you to plan a designated meet up spot using the balloon markers. The New Family Area (Yellow Balloons) is a perfect spot!
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Program Tent: There is a large DSAMn Program Tent located directly next to T-shirt Pick Up. Here you can connect with representatives from all of our programs and services including Family Connectors, New & Expectant Parent Programs, Parent Groups, Grandparent Group and more. Also stop by to meet up with some of our partner sponsors for additional resources. The tent will be staffed and open from 9:00AM - 2:00PM.
Food Trucks: We are excited to have 6 food trucks onsite this year. Expect everything from hamburgers to pulled pork sandwiches to burritos and tacos...plus donuts, coffee and ice cream. There will be multiple gluten-free options available.
Merchandise & 2023 Calendars: Our merchandise booth will be open 9:00AM to 2:00PM on walk day. You will find DSAMn hoodies, shirts, tumblers and you can order your 2023 Calendars.
Note: There will be a VERY LIMITED number of walk shirts available for sale for $15. They will not be available for purchase after.
Donations & Onsite Registration: Onsite registration will be available day of for $5 (does not include t-shirt). The official Step Up Campaign will be open through the month of October to allow for Donations before, during, and shortly after the walk. Please feel free to forward this email on to others who are interested but may not have donated or yet. https://www.ds-stride.org/stepupminnesota
Volunteers Still Needed: We still have just a few volunteer spots open to make the walk a success! Feel free to pass this link along as well. Click HERE to Volunteer!
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Reducing Waste: In an effort to limit the spread and the amount of single-use plastic, we are asking people to consider brining a reusable water bottle. We will have a limited amount of bottled water available at the end of the walk. In addition, beverages will be available for purchase at the food trucks.
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