SENIOR FUN FEST FEATURES AMERICAN BANDSTAND RECORDING ARTISTS

4800 U.S. Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone (813) 621-7821             Fax (813) 740-3505             http://www.floridastatefair.com/

This FREE two-day event will feature over 200 senior-friendly exhibitors with free health & wellness screenings, free golf swing analysis, senior lifestyles, travel & attractions, senior services, bingo games, arts and crafts by Michael's, and thousands in prizes and giveaways.  Register to win tickets at the Amtrak Travel Center and round trip tickets on USA3000 Airlines both days.  One of the highlights of the event will be viewing the many photographs submitted by local seniors for the "Grandkids are the Greatest" Photo Contest.  Winning photos will be selected on Thursday, January 24.

Enjoy live entertainment on both days! Get out your 45s and 78s and bring them for an autograph. "Bandstand Boogie" the 50s and 60s Show, brings together four Tampa Bay area entertainers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of American Bandstand’s original rock 'n' roll. A headline entertainer, Mary Swan, was just on the 50th anniversary show.  If you ever heard “Crying in the Chapel,” and "My Heart Belongs to Only You" you’ll want to hear Mary Swan sing in person again.  Mary’s stage presentation took some interesting turns from her start as a child in Philadelphia.  “Dick Clark came into the recording studio to pick up a package,” said Mary Swan “I was 17 and he heard me recording a teenage song I had written.” Clark, she said, asked who the singer was, met her and signed her up that day. She went on American Bandstand for five daytime shows and one night show. From there, she did record hops with the likes of Paul Anka, Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon and many more. Today, Nashville recording artist “Backtrack”, Marti Carroll, Mary’s daughter performs with the show along with Richie Merritt - The Marcels “Blue Moon”, The Clovers, “Devil or Angel”, and The Drifters, “Save The Last Dance For Me”.  To complete the Bandstand Boogie Show is Ken Brady of the Casinos, “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye”.  Entertaining both days as well is Denise Looney - “The DJ with a Twist”. Denise sets the stage for the Sock Hop with her special musical programming as well as belting out a song or two.  Other stage performances include: Russell Cortese, performing his fabulous impersonation of “Elvis”, Fritzy the “One Man Circus”, and Luis of A-1 Magic will perform magic as well as balloon art for all. 

Plus, the Florida State Fair's booth will feature a special promotion for discounted Fair admission tickets and Country Gold Tour concert tickets on Feb. 14 for only $14 for adult tickets -- a combined savings of $6 off gate prices on concert day. This discount offer is only good for attendees at Senior Fun Fest on these two days and must be purchased on-site during the event. 

The Tampa Tribune Senior “Fun Walk” is Thursday, January 24 at 9 a.m.  Registration forms are available by calling 1-888-670-0040, go to http://www.srmagazine.com/ or sign up on the same day of the walk at 8:30 a.m.  There is a minimum donation of $3 to participate.  Walkers will enjoy free continental breakfast, a walk certificate, a sponsor goodie bag, and a T-shirt to the first 100 people to register.   A senior-friendly lunch of half a deli sandwich, chips and a soda will be available for only $5 as well as a variety of lunch specials at the concession stands.

Admission and parking are free for this event.  Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds via the U.S. Highway 301 entrance.
Take advantage of a free trolley ride to the front door.  For more information on this event, visit http://www.srmagazine.com/, call 727-595-5455 or toll free 1-888-670-0040.

For more information on these and other events taking place at the Fairgrounds, please call 813-621-7821; check the Fairgrounds Info Line at 813-622-7275; or visit http://www.floridastatefair.com/ and click on the Calendar of Events.  

Media are welcome at all events held at the Florida State Fairgrounds.  To cover general Fairgrounds events, please contact Denise Shreaves directly 813-627-4314 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Media wishing to cover an event should enter the Fairgrounds via the Orient Road entrance and check in with the security guard to notify the appropriate contact person.

The Florida State Fair Authority operates the Florida State Fairgrounds 365 days a year, in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson leads the Fair Authority, which oversees the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair.

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