Senior Day lands on the first day of the fair again

By Karen Tolkkinen ktolkkinen@echopress.com

Once again, Senior Day will land on the first day of the Douglas County Fair, Wednesday, Aug. 16, and those age 65 and over will receive a reduced admission price of $7 at the gate only.

As usual, many activities are planned for them around Kathryn LeBrasseur Heritage Square and Knute Nelson Heritage Stage.

“Heritage Square is home place for the seniors,” said Kathryn LeBrasseur, for whom the square was named. “It’s a place to gather. It’s a place to sit and enjoy ethnic food and enjoy watching the old-time crafts as well as the music.”

Did she say old-time crafts? That’s right. The crafts are back this year after taking some time off. These volunteers who excel in oldtime skills like spinning wool or carving wood will sign up for four-hour shifts, so that there will be demonstrators each day of the fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Also back are agencies that can help seniors who might not be able to connect with them online or through any other means. These agencies will set up tables around the log cabin, even providing specially designed phones to those with hearing or vision impairments.

Among these agencies are Habitat for Humanity, which will offer information about its remodeling programs to help seniors stay in their homes longer. West-Central Minnesota Communities Action will explain how seniors can get help making their homes more weather resistant.

At 2 p.m. on Senior Day, century farms and outstanding seniors will be recognized at the Knute Nelson Heritage Stage.

This year, there will again be live music on the Heritage Stage, but there will also be activities intended to draw all ages, including the kid’s bike give-away each day and the Douglas County Fair Princess Pageant on Thursday, Aug. 17. It will provide something for grandparents to bring their grandchildren to.

Of course lefse, Rømmegrøt and other ethnic foods will be available in the log cabin. Seniors will be able to get free water courtesy of Henry Foods.

LeBrasseur said she is hoping that fairgoers will remember that the covered area around the log cabin are for seniors, those who have purchased heritage foods, or for demonstrators. It’s not intended as a dining area for people coming in from Calorie Lane, as eating areas are set up elsewhere for that part of the fair.