Wallenda Inspires Young and Old At Space Coast State Fair
By Space Coast Daily // December 13, 2012
BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Space Coast State Fair has a three decades long tradition of treating area seniors from assisted living and rehabilitation centers to a special day at the fair.
The seniors are paired up with a Brevard County high school student who then helps their charge through a day that includes exclusive performances and a specially prepared lunch.
“This is a wonderful multi-generational event that they do for the seniors,” said Linda Battle, director of Island Health and Rehab on Merritt island. “I’ve been coming out for this special day at the fair and bringing my residents for over 10 years and everyone always has fun – it’s equally great for the students and seniors – they talk and become good friends,” said Battle.
PAIRING OF YOUNG AND OLD GREAT FOR BOTH
The 11-day Space Coast State Fair is Brevard’s most attended event and was held Nov. 8-18 in Viera at Space Coast Stadium. The transportation for Senior Day was provided free by Space Coast Area Transit for the more than a dozen facilities that participated, and lunch was provided by North American Midway Entertainment.
“We hosted over 250 senior citizens – and an equal number of high school students,” said Giles Malone of Maverick Multimedia and the State Coast State Fair.
“For many of the seniors who attend this special day at the fair, it is the only day they get out all year, so we strive to make it memorable. I want to thank Brevard County Schools, SCAT for once again providing the transportation, and also SpaceCoastDaily.com and Space Coast Medicine & Healthy Living magazine for making the day possible.”
The performers and entertainers all donated their services to make it special day for all. Among the entertainment and programs were aerialist Carla Wallenda, the Torres Family Circus, Eye of A Horse and Dan & Suzan.
“It’s wonderful to get out of the facility and get fresh air and see other people,” said Evelyn Donahue.
Carla Wallenda Is Active Living Icon
The pairing of the young and old yields tremendous benefits for all. “The elderly person I’m with today is actually a veteran of the U.S. Army and she’s great to talk to and learn from,” said Sage, a senior at Space Coast High.
2013 SPRING FEST WILL ALSO HOST SENIOR DAY
“Senior Day is such a positive for all that we are planning to include the same feature for our upcoming Brighthouse Space Coast Spring Fest set for April 17-21, 2013 at Space Coast Stadium,” said Malone.
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