If you're having trouble finding something fun to do with Gramps (or you just want to get him out of the house), mark your calendar now for the Third Annual Senior-Friendly Extravaganza, which takes place at Tropicana Field (1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 17.The excitement begins with a one-mile "Senior Fun Walk" around the stadium at 9 a.m. (sign-up begins at 8:30 a.m.). Walkers can enjoy a continental breakfast, walk certificates and goodie bags with treats from event sponsors. The first 100 walkers registered also get a free T-shirt. The catch? Participants are required to make a minimum donation of $1 to Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
With over 200 "Senior-Friendly" exhibitors, visitors to the event can find helpful information on virtually anything senior-related, like senior services, lifestyles, health and wellness, travel and more. Diversions include a variety of arts and crafts activities, Make It & Take It crafts by Michaels, free bingo games all day for prizes, free restaurant and product samplings, magic tricks by Luis of A-1 Magic, Fritzy the One-Man Circus, ballroom dance exhibitions by Fred Astaire Dance Studios, strolling entertainers and much, more.
Seniors are also treated to live entertainment all day long by artists who are definitely not too loud. American Bandstand recording artist Mary Swan ("Crying in the Chapel," "My Heart Belongs to Only You") performs in a '50s and '60s music show with Bim Brown of Chubby Checker fame; Elvis tribute artist Russell Cortese struts his stuff in a King-like routine; The Downtowners supply a set of big band numbers; and Jon Semmes & The Florida Friends present a mix of country, folk and bluegrass tunes.
Attendees can also take advantage of free health screenings and free pneumonia shots from the Pinellas County Health Department for seniors with Medicare part B.
Admission and parking are free for the first 1,000 cars. Tropicana Field is located in downtown St. Petersburg, exit 22 on I-275. For information, call 727-595-5455 or 888-670-0040, e-mail cfran7@aol.com, or visit www.SrMagazine.com.
—Leilani Polk
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2004.