2001 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jan Costello
Phone: 217-785-9020, TTY: 1-800-252-8966

August 3, 2001

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Department on Aging Director Margo E. Schreiber is encouraging families to visit the Illinois State Fair Senior Building (also known as the Illinois Building) and enjoy a diverse offering of entertainment during the State Fair, August 10–19 in Springfield. The air–conditioned building is near the main gate and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

"We’re looking forward to seeing crowds from all over the state and encourage people of all ages to stop in, visit the booths and watch some talented performers," Schreiber said. "We’ll have the park area set up where people can rest. There will also be health information and screenings for bone density, blood pressure and depression."

Schreiber said the building will have booths representing the Department on Aging, Attorney General, State Police, Veterans, Secretary of State, Public Health, State Library and more. A women’s health expo and fitness center will be in the middle of the building, and the auditorium will feature daily shows and performances beginning at 10:30 a.m. Shows range from dancing and singing to religious services.

Ms. Senior Illinois Queens and contestants will appear at 12:15 p.m. Saturday, August 11. Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan will present "Futures for Kids Awards" at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17.

Monday, August 13, is designated "Senior Day" and induction ceremonies for the 2001 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame sponsored by Walgreens will be at 11:00 a.m.

A big hit every year is the Grandparent/Grandchild Contest, sponsored by Union Planters Bank and the Illinois Department on Aging. The contest will be at 2:00 p.m. on August 11. Registration for the contest begins at 12:30 p.m. that day. The contest features a drawing for gift certificates for White Oaks Mall in Springfield, donated by Union Planters Bank. All fair visitors can register for the drawings in the Senior Center on the day of the contest only.

Every fourth tram will stop on the south side of the Illinois Building. Tram price is $2 all day for adults and $1 all day for children. Bingo will be played on the mezzanine level of the Senior Building from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 11-13 and 17-18.

Catholic Mass will be held on each Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 15, at 3:30 p.m. Lutheran services are held on each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

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Contact

For more information, call the Illinois Department on Aging's Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (Voice and TTY).