1,000 Vietnam Era Veterans to March through Fairgrounds on Military Appreciation Day, Tuesday, Aug. 27

ST. PAUL, MINN. (08/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair - Tuesday, Aug. 27

Schedule of Events:

9:30 a.m.: Veterans Garden Ceremony honoring the immediate family of fallen U.S. military service members. More than 400 Gold Star family members are expected to be in attendance. The ceremony takes place on the south side of the Agriculture Horticulture Building, across from the International Bazaar. (New in 2013.)

10:25 a.m.: Flag Raising Ceremony at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell by the joint color guard representing the Marines, Navy and Army National Guard along with National Anthem singer TSgt. Karly Tiegs of the Air Guard.

10:30 a.m.: More than 1,000 Vietnam Era Veterans will march from the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell to Carousel Park as thousands of fair guests cheer them on and thank them for their service. 8,000 commemorative bandanas will be handed out to supporters along the parade route to wave in honor of our veterans. (New in 2013)

10:30 a.m.: 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band performs at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

10:45 a.m.: Four World War II T-6 Texan Airplanes will fly over the skies above the fairgrounds as part of the program in Carousel Park to pay tribute to our veterans and commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The Carousel Park program features presentations and appearances by: Governor Mark Dayton, Adjutant General Rick Nash, State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer, MN Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito, and "Sweet Martha" Rossini Olson. (New in 2013)

11:15 a.m.: Country artist Rockie Lynne performs a "Tribute to the Troops" concert at the Carousel Park Stage

11:45 a.m.: 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band performs at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell

1:45 p.m.: Country artist Rockie Lynn performs a "Tribute to the Troops" concert at the Carousel Park Stage

2 p.m.: State Fair parade will honor all active, retired and veteran U.S. Military Service Members with special units including Rin Tin Tin; a restored Army Jeep; Project MARK fishing boat, raising awareness of veteran services; the Veterans Caucus of MN DFL with folk singer Larry Long; and a trolley carrying Vietnam Era Veterans.

Open All Day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.): Education Alley on West Dan Patch Avenue showcases nearly 70 military exhibits and educational booths from various branches of service, and organizations that support military families.

Military Appreciation Day events are presented by USAA

Special Discounts for Military Appreciation Day:

Gate Admission Discounts: Active military and their families, as well as retired and veteran military and their spouses, are admitted for just $7 when they purchase admission at the gate with documentation of U.S. Military service.

Mighty Midway & Kidway Discounts: In celebration of those who serve our great nation, Early Bird Specials for all fair guests are offered until 1 p.m. on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions.

Vendor Bargains: Many food, beverage and merchandise vendors throughout the fairgrounds offer special savings for all fair guests to commemorate the United States Military.

-MSF-