A variety of programs and opportunities for senior citizens including two special days, everyday discounts on admission and free entertainment will be featured at the 2006 Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Seniors, Kids and Minnesota State Patrol Day is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 28. Seniors ages 65 and over and kids ages 5-12 will be admitted for only $4.

Seniors Day is Thursday, Aug. 31. Seniors ages 65 and over will be admitted for just $4. Minnesotaís Largest Senior Stretch and Stroll begins at 10 a.m. in Carousel Park with health-related information, music and prizes. At 11 a.m., the Leinie Lodge Bandshell hosts the Outstanding Senior Citizens Award ceremony sponsored by the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs. One senior woman and one senior man are chosen to represent Outstanding Senior Award winners from 87 counties throughout the state.

Special free entertainment will be highlighted every day on the fairís six free stages. On Seniors Days, see the Marv Nissel Polka Band and Jim Berner on Aug. 28, and Stomp Ní Dixie and the Banjo Bandits on Aug. 31 performing on the Ramberg Senior Center Stage sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota and Minnesota Good Age. At the Heritage Square Stage sponsored by August Schell Brewing Co., see the Sherwin & Pam Linton Show and Wayne ìThe Brainî Hancock on Aug. 28, and the Barbary Coast Dixieland Show Band and the Hackensaw Boys on Aug. 31. Grandstand shows on seniors days include Steve Miller Band with special guest The Fabulous Thunderbirds on Monday, Aug. 28, and Kenny Rogers and The Oak Ridge Boys on Thursday, Aug. 31.

On non-seniors days, seniors will be admitted to the fair for $8, a savings of $1 off the regular admission price. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available for $7 from July 23 through Aug. 23 at all participating Cub Foods Stores and the State Fair box office. Call Ticketmaster at (651) 989-5151, or the State Fair box office at (651) 642-2262 for Grandstand ticket information.

For more information on senior programs at the Minnesota State Fair, please call (651) 288-4447 or write to Minnesota State Fair, 1265 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108-3099. Information is also available on the State Fair Web site at www.mnstatefair.org.