Hear Us Roar! Celebrating Disability Pride at The Blank Park Zoo | Aug 4
About this Event
Hear Us Roar welcomes individuals with disabilities, self-advocates, families, provider organizations, educators, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters from across Iowa for a day of connection, celebration, and unforgettable experiences.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony, where we recognize and celebrate young leaders who have developed their voice, strengthened their leadership skills, and are creating positive change in their schools and communities. Graduates will be honored alongside family, friends, and supporters as we celebrate the next generation of disability leadership.
Throughout the zoo, attendees will discover advocacy and community partner booths designed to help families and self-advocates learn more about services, supports, opportunities, and organizations available across Iowa. Rather than a traditional resource fair, these experiences are meant to encourage conversation, build relationships, and help people discover new possibilities.
Guests will also enjoy FREE parakeet and giraffe feeding experiences, train rides, petting zoo access, zoo exploration, community activities, and an afternoon Ice Cream Social.
Lunch will be served by Triple B for guests who select the Big Roar Experience Pass (Lunch Included) during registration.
NEW this year — participate in the Wear Your Roar Challenge! Create and wear a custom hat or wearable design inspired by Disability Pride, advocacy, animals, leadership, or your unique roar. Participants will receive Arc swag while supplies last and may be eligible for community-sponsored prizes.
Whether you come to celebrate, connect, support a graduate, discover resources, or simply enjoy a great day together, we hope you’ll join us as we Hear Us Roar.
Disability Rights are Human Rights.
Day of Activities
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Volunteer Check In.
Info: Volunteers should arrive by 8:30 a.m. and enter through the main zoo entrance. Check-in will be located just inside the main entrance doors straight ahead. Volunteers will receive event assignments, materials, and final instructions before helping welcome guests and prepare for the day’s activities.
🕑: 09:00 AM
Doors Open/Welcome to Hear Us Roar
Info: Welcome to Hear Us Roar! Upon arrival, please check in and receive your event wristband. After check-in, head immediately to the Welcome Center located to the right inside the zoo entrance to learn about the day’s activities, pick up event information, and get oriented before beginning your zoo adventure.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Animal Experiences
Info: Get up close and make unforgettable memories during our featured animal experiences! Guests are invited to enjoy FREE parakeet feeding and giraffe feeding opportunities during scheduled activity times.
Throughout the day, attendees are also welcome to enjoy train rides, the petting zoo, advocacy and community discovery booths, zoo exploration, and the Wear Your Roar Challenge. Whether you spend time meeting new friends, discovering community resources, or simply enjoying the animals, there will be opportunities for fun and connection all day long.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Youth Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony
Info: Celebrate and recognize Iowa’s next generation of disability leaders in the event center near the new lion exhibit.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Community Lunch (The Big Roar Experience Pass required)
Info: Take a break, gather together, and enjoy lunch served by Triple B. Lunch is included for guests who selected The Big Roar Experience Pass during registration. This is a great opportunity to connect with friends, celebrate Youth Leadership Academy graduates, meet advocacy partners, and recharge before afternoon activities begin.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Afternoon Animal Experiences
Info: Continue the celebration with another opportunity to enjoy FREE parakeet and giraffe feeding experiences before spending the afternoon exploring everything Hear Us Roar has to offer.
Take a train ride, visit the petting zoo, discover advocacy and community booths throughout the zoo, show off your creativity in the Wear Your Roar Challenge, or simply enjoy time connecting with friends and families before we gather for the Ice Cream Social.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Wear Your Roar Showcase & Celebration | Event Center
Info: Show us your roar! Before the event, attendees are invited to create and wear a custom hat or wearable design inspired by Disability Pride, advocacy, animals, leadership, community, or what makes YOU roar.
Beginning at 2:00 p.m., participants are invited to gather at the Event Center near the Lion Pavilion to show off their creations, meet other designers, and celebrate creativity and self-expression.
All participants will receive a small thank-you gift from The Arc of Iowa (while supplies last) and will be entered for a chance to win community-sponsored prizes including:
$100 Hy-Vee Gift Card,
️ $50 Triple B Gift Card,
Amazon Echo,
Arc of Iowa swag and surprise giveaways.
Guests are encouraged to cheer on participants and celebrate the many ways our community expresses pride, leadership, and belonging.
Winners and recognitions will be announced during the celebration.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
FREE Ice Cream Social | Event Center
Info: Come to the Event Center and join us as we wrap up Hear Us Roar with a sweet celebration together! All attendees are invited to enjoy a FREE Ice Cream Social while connecting with friends, celebrating Youth Leadership Academy graduates, and sharing favorite moments from the day.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 15.00
