A variety of programs and opportunities for senior citizens including three special days, everyday discounts and free entertainment will be featured at the 2004 Minnesota State Fair Aug. 26 through Labor Day, Sept. 6. Seniors, Kids, MN State Patrol Monday, Aug. 30, is Seniors, Kids, and Minnesota State Patrol Day. Seniors 65 and older and kids 5-12 will be admitted for only $4. The State Patrol will be on Wright Avenue celebrating 75 years of service. A ceremony honoring individuals with 50 years of fair participation will be at 5 p.m. in Heritage Square. Seniors Day Thursday, Sept. 2 is Seniors Day, where seniors will again be admitted for $4. A Senior Stretch and Stroll will begin at 10 a.m. in Carousel Park with health-related information, music and prizes. The Outstanding Senior Citizens Award ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell. One senior man and one senior woman are chosen to represent 108 outstanding senior award winners from counties throughout the state. Selection is based on leadership, diversity and services, and accomplishments since reaching age 65. Red Hot Cars, Red Hat Day Sunday, Aug. 29 is Red Hot Cars and Red Hat Day featuring Minnesota Street Rod Cars and special events for Minnesota ladies sharing a bond of “fun after 50.” Free entertainment daily Free entertainment sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota and Good Age will be offered daily at the Ramberg Senior Center Stage. Switched At Birth, Jim Berner, and Cliff Brunzell and the Golden Strings Quartet will perform Aug. 30. The Banjo Bandits, Tina and Lena, and the Parisota Hot Club will perform Sept. 2. Grandstand shows on Seniors Days include Neal McCoy Aug. 30, and Los Tigres Del Norte Sept. 2. On non-seniors days, seniors will be admitted to the fair for $8 ($1 less than regular admission). Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available for $7 from July 25-Aug. 25 at all participating Cub Foods Stores and at the State Fair box office. Call Ticketmaster at (651) 989-5151 or the State Fair box office at (651) 642-2262 for Grandstand ticket information. For more information on senior programs at the Minnesota State Fair visit www.mnstatefair.org.
