Seniors to be Served at State Fair

 Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) will host activities for seniors and their families during the Illinois State Fair, August 13-23, in Springfield.  IDoA will have a lineup of special events in the air conditioned setting of the Illinois Building located near the fairground main gate. Monday, August 17 is Senior Day when attendees 60 years of age and older are admitted free to the fair. 

“We look forward to another year of hosting fun activities during the state fair.  Our staff and partner agencies do a great job of keeping everyone engaged while offering information about programs and services for older adults and their families,” said IDoA Acting Director, Jennifer Reif.

Some state fair Senior Day favorites include the “NOT SO Newlywed Game” where couples, age 50 years and older, test hose much they really know about their spouse.  Later, IDoA will host the Illinois Senior Spelling Bee State Finals.  Seniors who won regional competitions held across the state will correctly spell words until judges crown a spelling bee champion. And families are encouraged to pre-register for the “Grandparent Grandchild Contest”, when (on August 20) participants are judged on resemblance, costumes, talent, and interviews. To pre-register, call (217) 785-3390

The Illinois Department on Aging thanks representatives from the state agencies, organizations and private companies who will be on hand during the entire fair to provide information about services to help older adults. They include:

·         AARP

·         Battery Specialist

·         Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

·         Illinois Assistive Technology Project

·         Illinois Bee Keepers

·         Illinois Department of Employment Security

·         Illinois Department of Public Health

·         Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (along with The Portrait of a Soldier exhibit)

·         Illinois Historic Preservation

·         Illinois Lions’ club

·         Illinois State Treasurer’s Office

·         Logan County Senior Center Bingo

·         The Office of the Attorney General

·         The Office of the Secretary of State

·         Superior Products, Inc.

·         Susan G. Komen for the Cure

·         United Access

·         United States Social Security Administration

·         Watkins Home Products

For more information about the Department on Aging, call (800) 252-8966 or for hearing impaired (888) 206-1327, or log on to the website at www.illinois.gov/aging.