KROGER, TEXAS STATE FAIR LINK FOR FOOD DRIVE

RICHARD TURCSIK

DALLAS -- Kroger Co. tied in its Center Store section with the Texas State Fair here with a "3-for-free" offer.

Fair-goers who presented three cans of food at admission could save the $9 general admission fee. The food was donated to the needy. Kroger sponsored the food-drive campaign.

Cincinatti-based Kroger played an active role in fair festivities in other ways as well. Children of all ages were invited to attend the Kroger Kids Kamp, which Kroger sponsored at the Kroger Pavilion, located in the fair's Centennial Building. The fair, which showcased agriculture, crafts and local industry, ran through late last month here.

The Kroger Kids Kamp featured a variety of free educational activities, including a balloon artist, face painting and mini picnic tables loaded with free coloring books and shoebox-size totes of crayons. A walking, talking robot, who addressed children by name, was a crowd pleaser, as was a giant Lego set. Nearby was a TV monitor that played popular movies, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Free Willy 2." Meanwhile, adults visiting the Kroger Pavilion could receive free backrubs.

Officials at Kroger's division headquarters in Keller, Texas, did not return phone calls seeking comment about the donation program or the Kroger Kids Kamp, but Kroger advertised the Kroger Pavilion in its newspaper ads, and offered discount admission coupons in its stores.