Albany, NY (August 26, 2016)—The Great New York State Fair is once again offering free admission on Senior Citizen’s Days, Monday, August 29 and Tuesday, August 30, to all attendees 60 years of age and older. Identification showing date of birth may be requested to allow free admittance. Last year’s Senior Citizen’s Days drew more than 125,000 visitors.
 
There is a reception area for senior group bus and van parking. Older adults are also able to make use of the fair’s internal tram network for free on these two special days, with the service running from 9 am to 8 pm. Fairgoers with questions may contact the Art and Home Center office at 315-487-7711, ext. 1265.

The New York State Office for the Aging will have a presence at the fair all week. The agency’s booth will be located in the Science and Industry Building (Building 19) and staff will be available throughout the week to answer questions and provide information and resource materials for older New Yorkers and caregivers. 

Coinciding with Senior Citizen’s Days again this year is the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training, a free disaster preparedness course that teaches attendees how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and manmade disasters and emergencies. A free backpack of resources will be provided to participants. Two sessions will take place from 4 to 5:30 pm on Monday, August 29, and Tuesday, August 30 in the Empire Theater at the Art and Home Center on the fairgrounds. Registration is available online at the New York State Prepare website. 

With exhibits, events, competitions, food, shopping, Midway rides, and other affordable attractions, the Great New York State Fair has something for everyone. Nearly one million people attend the fair each year. 

“I applaud Governor Cuomo and Acting Director Waffner for their continued leadership in offering older New Yorkers the chance to attend the Great New York State Fair at no charge. In addition to the many upgrades and improvements, the important information available from state agencies and the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training, the fair is a great opportunity to have fun, socialize, get exercise, and be exposed to all the wonderful things New York has to offer,” said New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen. 

“We are so pleased to once again welcome our older adults to Senior Citizen’s Days at the Great New York State Fair,” said Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner. “The fair offers so much to do and see, and provides the opportunity for older New Yorkers to get critical information about services and resources the state makes available. This year, there are many exciting improvements that we know will make it an even better experience for them.” 

About the New York State Office for the Aging
The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. For information about the New York State Office for the Aging, visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov. 

About the Great New York State Fair
The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from August 25 to September 5, 2016. The fair’s mission, reflected in its theme, “FIND YOUR GREAT,” is to showcase the best of New York agriculture while providing top-quality entertainment. 

The 375-acre New York State Fairgrounds is undergoing the most significant transformation since it first opened its gates in 1890. The $50 million plan, announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, revitalizes the grounds in many ways, improving the quality of the fairgoer’s experience and providing greater economic benefits for the region. Improvements include the dramatic new Main Gate—the arches of which recall the carriage gate that greeted fairgoers in 1900, a larger, 15-acre Wade Shows Midway that will hold more rides than ever, and the brand new 315-site Empire RV Park with underground water, sewer and electrical service. The plan will better position the New York State Fairgrounds as a premier year-round, multi-use facility that can attract more events and visitors from across the nation. Renderings can be viewed here.
 
A year-round schedule of events is available on the fair’s website. Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook, follow @NYSFair on Twitter, and enjoy photos from the fair at Flickr.com/photos/nysfair. Also, New Yorkers are invited to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov.