Variety of Programs Offered for Senior Citizens at 2010 State Fair

ST. PAUL, MINN. (08/05/2010)(readMedia)-- Many programs and opportunities for senior citizens will be offered at the 2010 Minnesota State Fair including discounts on admission, two special days, free entertainment and helpful services.

Regular gate admission is discounted to $9 for seniors daily during the fair's run. Special senior discount days are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 30 and Thursday, Sept. 2 when guests 65 and over save an additional $3 off regular senior admission and are admitted for just $6.

The Sept. 2 Seniors Day features several special events for seniors. Carousel Park hosts Minnesota's Largest Senior Stretch & Stroll, an event designed to help stretch muscles and encourage aerobic walking. Health-related information, music and prizes are all part of the celebration. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10 a.m. In addition, two Minnesota seniors will be recognized as Minnesota's Outstanding Senior Citizens at 10:30 a.m. at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. Out of a pool of nominees from each county in the state, winners are chosen for their outstanding commitment to community service since reaching the age of 65.

Special free entertainment will be highlighted every day on the fair's free stages. On Seniors Days, entertainment on the Ramberg Senior Center Stage includes: The Rod Cerar Orchestra (Aug. 30), The Gallivanters (Aug. 30), The Whistlepigs (Sept. 2) and Jim Berner (Sept. 2). Also on Seniors Days, the Heritage Square Stage (sponsored by August Schell Brewing Co.) features The Alzen Family Bluegrass Band (Aug. 30), New North?String Band (Aug. 30), Billy McLaughlin & His Eclectric String Quartet (Aug. 30), The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (Sept. 2), Dale Dahmen & The Polka Beats (Sept. 2) and Martin Zellar and the Hardways (Sept. 2).

The 2010 Grandstand Series features live shows nightly including A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor (Sept. 3) and the Dukes of September Rhythm Revue featuring Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs (Sept. 6). Call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or the State Fair Box Office at (651) 288-4427 for Grandstand ticket information. For additional shows, visit mnstatefair.org.

Guests may hail a free trolley ride (sponsored by Gold'n Plump) with the grandkids to Little Farm Hands on the north end of the fairgrounds. From farm to market, the agricultural process comes to life as children plant crops, drive tractors, milk cows, feed animals and more at this interactive and educational mock farm (sponsored by Kemps, Cub Foods, Crystal Sugar, Butter Kernel, John Deere Company, Cargill and Minnesota Corn Growers Association).

Cash machines (sponsored by TCF Bank) are located throughout the fairgrounds and are noted on the State Fair map. Visitors may pick up free maps, daily schedules (sponsored by the Minnesota State Lottery), specialty brochures and the Deals, Drawings and Giveaways Guide (sponsored by Comcast) at any of the State Fair's information booths (sponsored by Qwest). Medical Aid Stations (sponsored by Regions Hospital) are located on the north and west ends of the fairgrounds.

The 2010 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6. For more information on senior programs, call (651) 288-4400 or write to Minnesota State Fair Senior Programs, 1265 Snelling Avenue North, St. Paul, MN 55108-3099. Information is also available on the State Fair web site at www.mnstatefair.org.