ESCANABA – Crazy socks were the rule during a celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day Tuesday at the Bonifas Civic Center in Escanaba.

Lourie Schuenke with the Upper Peninsula Down Syndrome Association says they want people to be comfortable talking about Down syndrome.

“The inclusion of everyone whether they’re different or alike – a lot of our kids are more alike than different – people need to see that. That way there’s not that awkwardness of kids who look and don’t ask questions. Here, they can feel free to talk with us, to learn new things and realize that people are a lot more alike than they are different,” Schuenke said.

The celebration included bounce houses, face painting, basketball and pizza.

Schuenke says the crazy, bright colored, mismatched socks were a way to draw attention to Down syndrome as part of their “Lots of Socks” campaign.