Senior Day draws young at heart to the fair
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on October 6, 2004 2:00 PM
Sandra Hill celebrated her 41st wedding anniversary on Tuesday with her husband, William. She spent the day walking around smelling the food and seeing the new rides at the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair.
Ms. Hill, 66, recalled coming to the fair every year when she was young and would always ride the Ferris wheel. She said the rides are a lot safer these days. Hill always enjoys the vintage tractor equipment and her grandson, Brandon, 13, made his way to ride "Zero Gravity."
Ms. Hill likes to come on Senior Day, which was Tuesday, and see some familiar faces. She said they always end up watching Buffalo Barfield on the Pavilion Stage and watching the Western Gunfight Show in the Western Town before they leave.
She was also hoping to see Freddie Pierce the ventriloquist because she missed him last year.
The cool weather, discounted tickets and "Salute to Senior Citizens" brought a good crowd out Tuesday to the fair. All people 60 years of age and above were admitted free. It was also another "Bargain Day," which meant $1 off gate admission for adults and children and $10 for unlimited rides.
A Salute to Senior Citizens was sponsored by the Wayne County Extension and Community Association, and the seniors enjoyed entertainment by The Harmony Boys of Mount Olive. Several of them showcased their talents, and awards were presented for the Outstanding Senior Citizen and other categories, including oldest senior present, youngest grandparent and person with the most children. For the winner results, see 12A.
Milton Ingram, fair manager, said they had over 400 seniors at the event.
Fred Harrell, 66, was with his wife, Ginger, as they carried around the stuffed animals they won from playing several of the carnival games. They arrived around 3:30 p.m. and said they have come to fair the last three years.
"We love Senior Day," said Ms. Harrell.
They also enjoy the food and games and just getting away from everything.
"I wish my grandkids were around," said Harrell.
They plan to send the prizes to their grandchildren.
a while before he got going again.
"I like to sit down when I can," he said.