A free public safety and community touch-a-truck style event with an emphasis on being more accessible to people with special needs is returning to Ross for its second year.

Ross police hosted the first Exceptional Citizens Expo in 2024. The second annual expo will be from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at the township’s public works department, 225 Cemetery Lane.

It includes a sensory friendly hour from noon to 1 p.m. for those who have difficulties with crowds, noise and lights. During that hour, lights and sirens will be off, lowering some of the stimulations that can be hard for some people.

The event was the idea of police Chief Cristyn Zett, who has a special-needs son, Gavin, 16. Ross hired Zett in January 2023.

“I know that from working in the special-needs community and having my son, sometimes touch-a-trucks are too overwhelming. There’s so much going on,” she said. “I wanted to do one that was a little more accessible to more people.”

During the first hour, there will be no noise from sirens and horns, and the big engines won’t be running, Zett said. But anyone can come at any time.

“We’re committed to the quiet during the first hour so those who are sensitive can enjoy it,” she said. “After the first hour, we’ll let them turn on the lights and sirens.”

Zett said they’ll do their best to accommodate everyone’s needs.

“I want this to be a good experience for the families and anyone who wants to join us,” she said. “We’ll work with family members and caregivers to make it a good experience for each of them.”

The expo will include local police, fire, EMS and a range of service coordinators. There will be indoor and outdoor activities along with a DJ, crafts and trucks.

The public works facility was chosen for the location because it’s a flat area with easy parking that is accessible for people with mobility issues.

The weather was still cold for the first expo, held in April last year. It was moved to late May this year in hopes of a warmer day, Zett said.

There are more involved with this year’s event than last year, and there will be a food truck and goodie bags provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“It’s going to be a good year and a good event,” Zett said.

For details, call 412-931-9070.

If you go

Who: Ross Township Police Department

What: Exceptional Citizens Expo

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 31

Where: Ross Public Works Department, 225 Cemetery Lane

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)