LoveWay Inc. is hosting its 5th annual Barn Boo-Nanza this Friday, October 23, from 5–7 p.m. at its barn in Middlebury.

This free Halloween event is designed just for families with children with disabilities. Think safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly: the kind of trick-or-treat night where everybody gets to just be a kid.

What to Expect at the Barn

Picture this: your little one in their favorite costume, going stall to stall through a decorated horse barn collecting goodies. Honestly? Adorable. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Trick-or-treating through decorated barn stalls
• Games and activities for the kids
• Treats including candy, snacks, small toys, and trinkets
• A chance to connect with other families and the LoveWay community

Costumes are encouraged! Just keep it friendly. Scary or violent costumes aren’t allowed, so save the chainsaw clown for another night.

LoveWay’s Jessica Estep put it perfectly: the whole point is giving families a place to celebrate where their kids can feel comfortable, welcomed, and included.

Do You Have to Be a LoveWay Client?

Nope! Anyone with a child with a disability is welcome, whether or not you’ve worked with LoveWay before.

Barn Boo-Nanza at a Glance

• When: Friday, October 23, 2026, 5–7 p.m.
• Where: LoveWay, 54151 CR 33, Middlebury, IN 46540
• Cost: FREE
• Who: Families with children with disabilities

Want to Help? Here’s How

An event this sweet takes a lot of candy (and a lot of community love). LoveWay is asking for donations of candy, small toys, and trinkets for the trick-or-treaters.

Local businesses and families can also step up as sponsors:

• Stall Sponsor: $200
• Candy Sponsor: $50
• Game Sponsor: $25

Drop off or mail your donation to LoveWay, 54151 CR 33, Middlebury, IN 46540, and mark it “Attention: Barn Boo-Nanza.” Since the event is this Friday, dropping off in person is your best bet!

About LoveWay

For more than 50 years, LoveWay has served Elkhart County with equine-assisted services that support the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities. (Translation: horses are amazing, and so are the folks who run this place.)

Got questions? Learn more on LoveWay’s official website, give them a call at 574-399-7855, or email Jessica at LoveWay.

Now we want to hear from you! 🎃 What’s your kiddo dressing up as this year, and is it still the same costume they picked in September? Drop it in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram page. Bonus points for photos!