Prairie State Wire

Adults aged 60 and older will have free entry to the Illinois State Fair on Monday, August 14. The event, hosted by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), will feature special activities for seniors and their families in the Illinois Building throughout the day.

"Senior Day at the State Fair brings dozens of vendors under one roof, where older adults can access free health screenings and information, and stock up on freebies before enjoying all the fair has to offer," stated IDoA Director Paula Basta. "Grab your loved ones and join us for a fun-filled day on Monday, August 14."

The Illinois Building opens at 9 a.m., welcoming seniors and their family members to explore local vendors and exhibitors. Key events include opening remarks by IDoA Director Paula Basta at 10:30 a.m., followed by an interactive discussion with TRIAD groups led by IDoA's Office of Adult Protective Services.

Bingo will start at 11 a.m. in the mezzanine area. From noon to 1:30 p.m., couples aged 50 or older can participate in "The Not So Newlywed Game," sponsored by Central Illinois Senior Celebration. Prizes of $100 and $50 are awarded for first and second place, respectively.

From 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., there will be a Grandparent/Grandchild Contest sponsored by Springfield Supportive Living. Participants are judged based on resemblance, costumes, talent, and interview skills, with prizes ranging from $150 for first place to $50 for third place.

Throughout the fair, including Senior Day, attendees can view a traveling exhibit from the Illinois Freedom Project in the Illinois Building. This exhibit shares stories of slavery to freedom over two centuries through various perspectives within Illinois.

IDoA aims to serve older residents of Illinois by providing programs that support independence and quality of life. More information about these services is available online or via their toll-free Senior HelpLine.