August 25, 2017
Free fair admission and internal tram transportation for older adults on Senior Days, August 28 and 29
NYSOFA booth features New York’s first in the nation statewide aging services mobile app
Albany, NY (August 25, 2017)—The Great New York State Fair is once again offering free admission on Senior Citizen’s Days, Monday, August 28, and Tuesday, August 29, 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 Days drew more than 142,000 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 (NYSOFA) will have a booth located in the Science and Industry Building (Building 19) and agency 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 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 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday, August 28, and Tuesday, August 29, in the Empire Theater at the Art and Home Center on the fairgrounds. Registration is available online at the New York State Prepare website.
An exciting addition to the NYSOFA booth this year is the first in the nation statewide aging services mobile app. The app provides New York’s more than 3.7 million older adults and their loved ones with easily accessible, on-the-go information about benefits, programs, and services, including information regarding health and wellness, housing, and transportation options, among others. In addition, it connects people looking for services to live, local resources. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, and NYSOFA staff will be available to discuss features of the app, as well as help people download it onto their mobile devices.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo and Acting Director Waffner for their continued leadership in offering older New Yorkers the opportunity 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.
“NYSOFA’s new aging services mobile app ensures that New York’s growing older adult population can access live, local resources to help them remain independent, healthy, and connected to their communities,” Olsen added. “This exciting new app is another example of Governor Cuomo’s strong leadership and commitment to making New York the first age-friendly state in the nation.”
With exhibits, events, competitions, food, shopping, Midway rides, and other affordable attractions, the Great New York State Fair has something for everyone. Over one million people attend the fair each year.
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; visit www.aging.ny.gov; and download the NYSOFA mobile app on iOS and Android.
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 23 to September 4, 2017. 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.
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.
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CONTACT:
Reza Mizbani | Reza.Mizbani@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-7181
Barbara Stubblebine | Barbara.Stubblebine@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-4425