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Space Coast State Fair Senior Day Is Set Today, Wonderful Multi-Generational Event

By  //  November 9, 2016

Seniors paired with high school students

Post by Space Coast State Fair.

SPACE COAST STATE FAIR RUNS THROUGH NOV. 13

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – The Space Coast State Fair will once again treat area elderly residents from a host of Brevard County assisted living facilities to a memorable and fun day at the fair on Wednesday, November 9 at 9 am. 

Students from Titusville High School accompanied Sally from Royal Oak Nursing Home at the 23rd annual Seniors Day at The Space Coast State Fair. Space Coast Area Transit and The Brevard Public Schools Foundation and the Space Coast State Fair sponsor the event every year. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)
Students from Titusville High School last year accompanied Sally from Royal Oak Nursing Home at Seniors Day during the Space Coast State Fair. Space Coast Area Transit, the Brevard Public Schools Foundation and Space Coast Daily sponsor the event every year. (Space Coast Daily image)

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.

Seniors will arrive at 9:30 a.m. and the schedule will include a circus at 10:30 a.m., Carla Wallenda at 11 a.m., the Banana Derby at 11:15 a.m., Shark Encounter at 11:45 a.m., lunch will be served at 12 noon and the magic show will conclude the entertainment at 12:30 p.m.

The event is always heart-warming and meaningful for both young and old alike and leads to lasting friendships and a special connection between generations.

“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.

LAST DAY: Space Coast State Fair Opens Today At 1 p.m. At Space Coast Stadium In VieraRelated Story:
LAST DAY: Space Coast State Fair Opens Today At 1 p.m. At Space Coast Stadium In Viera

“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

Post by Space Coast State Fair.
BESIDE BEING one of the most unique aerial acrobats on the globe, Carla Wallenda has a magnetic personality with both young and old. Carla performed for the more than 250 seniors who came out for Senior Day at the Space Coast State Fair. Ironically, she was older than many of the attendees. (Image by Space Coast Medicine & Active Living)
BESIDE BEING one of the most unique aerial acrobats on the globe, 80-year-old Carla Wallenda has a magnetic personality with both young and old. Carla will once again perform for the more than 250 seniors at the Space Coast State Fair. Ironically, she was older than many of the attendees. (Image by Space Coast Daily)

Held in Viera at Space Coast Stadium, the 18-day Space Coast State Fair, which opened Oct. 27 and will close Nov. 13,  is Brevard’s most attended event.

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 traditionally have more than 350 senior citizens and high school students,” said Giles Malone of Space Coast Daily 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 Space Coast Daily for making the day possible.”

The performers and entertainers all donate their services to make it  a special day for all. Among the entertainment and programs scheduled are 80-year-old aerialist Carla Wallenda, the Torres Family Circus, the Banana Derby and the Shark Encounter.

Logan Hemenway of the Brevard Public Schools Television was on hand to record the festivities and will produce a film showcasing the heartfelt occasion. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)
Logan Hemenway of the Brevard Public Schools Television was on hand to record the festivities and will produce a film showcasing the heartfelt occasion. (Space Coast Daily image)

“It’s wonderful to get out of the facility and get fresh air and see other people,” said Evelyn Donahue.

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 Linda, a senior at Titusville High.

2017 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 Space Coast Spring Fest set for 2017 at Space Coast Stadium,” said Malone.

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