Maple Grove gears up to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day this Thursday with community spirit and mismatched socks. In an event that is set to combine fun and awareness, the Maple Grove Community Center gym will transform into a haven of joy from 4:00 to 6:30 P.M. where people of all ages can indulge in an array of activities ranging from games to a bounce house, all to the tune of lively music. According to the official announcement on the City of Maple Grove's Facebook page, this engaging event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to join in on the merriment.

Mixing fun with a serious cause, the date of this celebration – March 21 – carries significant weight as it represents the unique genetic makeup of individuals with Down syndrome, who are born with three copies of their 21st chromosome. The Maple Grove announcement shared earlier this week highlighted the importance of the day, encouraging the community to come together in solidarity. 

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects approximately one in every 700 babies born in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Events like the one at Maple Grove are crucial not just for fostering community inclusion, but for enlightening the public about the challenges and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome.