Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, announced that the 5th annual Greater Waterbury Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising and awareness event will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at

Waterbury Library Park, 236 Grand Street. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.

All event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Connecticut. Autism spectrum disorder is now diagnosed in 1 in every 68 children, including 1 in 42 boys, making it the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are the signature fundraising events for Autism Speaks, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants in over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada to support autism research, awareness and advocacy. 

The Walk theme is Autism Superheroes. The day includes a 1.5 mile walk and Community Resource fair with educational sources, therapists, autism tool kits, recreational organizations, and creative child-friendly activities – a true “one-stop-shop” for families affected by autism. 

Amanda Raus of NBC Connecticut and radio personality Munchie of 95.7 FM are the emcees of the event. Mayor O’Leary and Autism Speaks president, Liz Feld, will be attending this 5th year anniversary walk. 

A Jumbo Tron will be at the walk displaying tributes on the “Autism Heroes” board to people who are advocates to the autism community. There will be great entertainment until noon including National Anthem singer Hunter Votek (Naugatuck Valley Community College) and country singer Christopher Simon. Al “DJ ACT” Taylor of ACTJamsProductions.com will be providing music and sound.

A family fun day with bounce houses provided by KENecticut Hardware, face painting by WAMS and Career Academy students, Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, Hillside Equestrian pony, Art by Betsy DeMarco, children activities, Coco from CoCo Key Resort, Gabe’s Twisty Bros. balloon shaping,The Great Sirico magician, Joey from Launch Trampoline Zone, Six Flags characters, double-dutch, and Zumba by Taylor Kelly. Many volunteers including students, Waterbury Police Explorers, CL&P/Yankee Gas and Americorps will be present.

Waterbury Fire Truck, CL&P truck, Hoffman, Petro Oil Trucks and Lyon and Billard Lumber Truck will be on site with the Autism Speaks logo on them. Snacks and water will be available for walkers from JHS Vending, Walsh IGA, BJs Wholesale Club, Udi Gluten free snacks and the Dunkin Donuts truck. Please be advised there won't be any food accommodations for special diets. If someone in your party has a dietary restriction, please bring something for them from home. Food is not sold at this event.

Waterbury police officers will be on hand and the roads will be closed off during the walk to car traffic for everyone’s safety.