Mid America Events & Expos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate being a senior American with contests and pageantry!
Who says retirement means slowing down? Here are two festive ways you can inspire other seniors to live their lives to the fullest.

You may be past your 60th birthday but you still believe that life is brimming with exciting possibilities. As they say, 60 is the new 40, right? Well, you are living that philosophy! How about using some of that positive energy to inspire others to do the same?

Announcing two fun and motivating ways to celebrate getting older: The Seniors Lifelong Dream Contest and the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant.

Seniors Lifelong Dream Contest: What lifelong dream did you fulfill after you turned 60? Did you finally take your first photography class? Climb that mountain? Tour China? Earn a degree? Your achievement could earn you special recognition, thanks to the producers of the Seniors Expo and the Seniors Spring Show.

"We're looking for inspirational stories about active seniors in our community who understand that today is the best time to fulfill a dream," says Mid-America Events & Expos President Robin Kocina. "We believe that 60 is a new beginning, and we want to find people who think the same way."

The producers' favorite stories will be featured in a media campaign, and the top five winners will be personally presented on stage at the 2009 Seniors Spring Show. Entries can be dropped off at the Seniors Expo, October 6-7, 2008 at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, or see www.101expos.com for complete details and alternate entry methods.

Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant: This Pageant, which takes place at the Seniors Expo, showcases mature women age 60 and over – the ‘age of elegance' -- as they defy age-related stereotypes. Despite a few gray hairs, these ladies know how to impress an audience as well as any younger pageant contestant. The pageant involves a talent demonstration and evening gown competition, as well as interviews with the judges. Talents often range from singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument to reciting a favorite poem. Contestants will also describe their philosophy of life for the Seniors Expo audience.

The pageant winner receives not only a trophy, tiara, flowers and a banner declaring her Ms. Minnesota Senior America 2008. She also receives a packaged trip to represent Minnesota at the National Senior America Pageant to be held later this year.

Those interested in competing in the pageant should call Bill Rasmussen at 651-489-3405 or Jeanne Rogers at 651-489-9617. The application deadline to enter the Ms. Minnesota Senior America Pageant is August, 2008.

The Seniors Expo has been serving area seniors for eight years. This year's event promises to be the best yet because show producers are reaching out not only to current retirees but also to those in their 50s and 60s who are planning for the next stage of their lives.

At the 2008 Seniors Expo, people will:

Learn more about their 2009 Medicare options.
Enjoy free admission to the Ms. Senior Minnesota Pageant, taking place during the expo. The reigning Ms. Senior America Linda Wagner, who hails from Bemidji, will be relinquishing her state crown to another talented woman who has reached the ‘age of elegance.'
Watch a live demonstration of the popular SilverSneakers seniors exercise group.
Get answers and information about next February's change to 100 percent digital TV broadcasting from the on-site appearance by the DTV Road Show, accompanied by the gigantic 20-foot TV screen known as the DTV Trekker.
Participate in free seminars on anti-aging, looking good and feeling great.
Put their names in for exciting prize drawings.
Enjoy dancing, singing and plenty of surprises all within the high energy surroundings of one of Minnesota's best casino hotels.

For information about convenient bus transportation packages from the Twin Cities and other areas, contact Patsy or Peggy at Heartland Tours and Travel, 651-777-7170 or toll free at 888-735-7118, or by emailing info@heartlandtoursandtravel.net.

To watch a video of last year's show, to shop at the show before you go and for half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The Seniors Expo is sponsored by KLBB, Humana, KOOL 108, KSTC-TV, 5 Eyewitness News, Heartland Tours and Travel, Good Age, Best of Times, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Media Note: For additional information or to schedule an interview, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.