Senior Day at the Fair Blasts Off

Story and photos by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Senior citizens can celebrate near-space travel with free admission to the fairgrounds on their special day with events from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 21, in the Special Events Area at the south end of the Modern Living Building at the Oklahoma State Fair.
All seniors ages 55 or older are invited by OG&E and other sponsors to enjoy the “Fly Me to the Moon” themed event for activities, entertainment, exhibits, door prizes and health screenings designed especially for the golden ager.
“Senior Day at the Fair fits the 55+ fair goer in many ways. Some can enjoy the total experience of the fairgrounds. Some can come to the Modern Living Building to enjoy the Senior Day, never leaving the building,” said Cindy Dimit, longest serving committee member. “There are exhibitors, screenings, and entertainment. The audience can participate in themed activities on the decorated stage. We bring the fair experience right to your seat, so come fly with us on September 21st.”
This year features back-to-back Elvis tribute artists in the late afternoon and evening. Back from his popular performance last year, Mike Black sings Elvis’ songs at 5:30 p.m. From Choctaw, after growing up in Midwest City, he has opened concerts for major acts Percy Sledge, Eddie Raven, The Grass Roots, Three Dog Night and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Shawn Klush kicks off the most significant tribute to Elvis outside at 7:30 on the Chickasaw Country Entertainment Stage. He has starred as ‘Elvis’ in the award-winning Las Vegas show “Legends in Concert.”
Klush has sung in the “Elvis Birthday Tribute Tour” with Elvis’ former musicians, singers, and friends in major venues in multiple cities. He portrayed Elvis in the “The King and I” episode of HBO’s historical drama TV series “Vinyl” produced by Martin Scorsese and Mic Jagger.
Activities planned for the day include a robust lineup of free health screenings: Blood Pressure Screenings • Blood Sugar Screenings • Pain Management Assessment • Vein Testing • Depression and Memory Screenings, and Diabetic Foot Screenings.
Total Wellness will offer Flu, Pneumonia, and B12 shots at a cost. Attendees are asked to present their insurance card if it covers their shots. The day also features 24 senior health and recreation exhibitors.
Door Prizes are offered (Registration: Session 1: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Session 2: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Session 3: 3:30 – 6 p.m.) Pick up your ticket at the prize table for a chance to win one of many donated gifts. There will be multiple drawings in the morning, the early afternoon and then again during the late afternoon. Each session’s tickets will be discarded after the end of their respective time. Please register again for both afternoon door prize sessions.
The large Oklahoma Senior Games demonstration area is available for the whole run of the Fair. Along with special strength testing for seniors at their Senior Fitness booth, table tennis will be available.
Tests will include arm strength (pushups), leg strength (globet squats), abdominal strength (forearm plank), and balance. A victory stand with mannequins will be available for a photo backdrop.
The largest interactive demonstration court for seniors is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports, Pickleball. It is now widely embraced by seniors for its excellent health outcomes.
Pickleball is a recreational paddle sport for all ages and skill levels. Grandparents who welcome the opportunity to try new fitness outlets can play with their grandkids to stay active. Whether seniors are looking for a way to exercise or want to be challenged at a competitive level, there is a place in the pickleball community.
Volunteers are needed to help support the large Senior Games area from September 15th to 25th. By volunteering, helpers earn a free, fair ticket, T-shirt and close-in free parking. Schedule shifts at its signup website:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A4DA4A628AA8-oklahoma2
The organizers are counting on the warm hospitality and strong sense of community spirit our citizens have shown as volunteers to allow the state to thrive.
“Our volunteers are a major part of how and why our state has proven itself as a great place to compete in senior games each year,” volunteer coordinator Regina Stewart said. “We have grown to offer more games because of the time and energy Oklahomans who do not compete have invested in offering the Games to those who do.”
Seniors can enter gates 1, 2, 6, or 10 to catch one of the free trams that begin running at 10 a.m. Ask trams to stop at Gate 3 or by the fountain on General Pershing Blvd to drop you off, as they are the closest drop-off points to the building. Electric and manual wheelchairs are available for rent inside Gates 2, 6 & 9 while supplies last. Free coffee and snacks will be offered at 10 a.m. until they are gone.
To view the schedule of activities online, visit: https://okstatefair.com/uploads//senior-day-one-page-schedule-2022.pdf