2002 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

August 1, 2002

Families Encouraged to Visit the Illinois State Fair Senior Building

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois Department on Aging Director Margo E. Schreiber encourages families to visit the Illinois State Fair Senior Building (also known as the Illinois Building) and enjoy a diverse offering of entertainment during the Illinois State Fair, August 9 – 18 in Springfield. The air–conditioned building is near the main gate and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"People of all ages can visit the Senior Building to receive information, rest in a park area, participate in health screenings or enjoy entertainment in the auditorium," Schreiber said. "There are fun and informative activities planned throughout the day for all fairgoers."

Schreiber said the building will have booths representing the Department on Aging, Attorney General, State Police, Veterans, Secretary of State, 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 ranging from school choirs and ballet to religious services, quiz bowls and talent shows.

Newly crowned Ms. Illinois Classic Senior Audrey Jones will appear as part of a Ms. Senior Illinois queens and contestants show at 11:15 a.m., Saturday, August 10th.

Monday, August 12 is designated "Senior Day" and induction ceremonies for the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame sponsored by Walgreens will be at 11 a.m.

A big hit every year is the Grandparent/Grandchild Look–Alike Contest, sponsored by Union Planters Bank and the Illinois Department on Aging. This year, the contest will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, August 10th, with registration two hours beforehand. The contest features a drawing for savings bonds, donated by Union Planters Bank. All fair visitors can register for the drawings in the Senior Building on the day of the contest only.

Illinois First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan will appear in the auditorium to present the "Youth Making a Difference Awards" at 1 p.m. Friday, August 18th.

In addition, the Illinois Department on Aging will serve as co-host with the Illinois Department of Agriculture of the Twilight Ballroom. The Ballroom is located north of Lincoln Stage in the old Morton Building and features live big band music and dancing each night.

"We are thrilled to be hosting the Ballroom this year," said Schreiber. "It’s fun to dance or just sit and watch some very remarkable dancers and listen to great songs of the past. We encourage all age groups to come to the Ballroom."

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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).