Afterthoughts: Senior Citizen Day always a fair highlight

In 1977 fair officials added to their schedule of events a day to honor senior citizens. Tuesday of fair week has been designated as Senior Citizen Day and all persons over 60 years of age are invited to attend as special guests and to participate in a round of activities especially for them.

Participants and observers come from all over, many being transported from retirement homes and nursing facilities. In fact, this year, a group came from neighboring DeKalb County. Many of these senior citizens are in wheelchairs or on walkers and require attention from their caregivers.

My partner-in-crime, Bonnie Bear, and myself have volunteered to cover this event for the newspaper for 12 years now. I can truthfully say I have never regretted this decision. For any of you that don’t know, Bonnie is the Mini Standard’s mascot. The Mini Standard is a newspaper published especially for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. She is a brown bear that wears vests and hair bows and has fans of all ages.

Bonnie and I visit with the seniors, she shaking hands, giving bear hugs and posing for photographs, and me recording it on film. We often venture up on stage participating in the program. Bonnie has even competed in the “Women with the prettiest legs category!” She didn’t win, but the crowd enjoyed the shenanigans.

At noon seniors that are pre-registered enjoy a complimentary lunch. The meals are graciously provided by Dr. Jimmie Woodlee. His generosity is just one of the many acts of kindness demonstrated on this day. The staff at Medical Home Health Care serve the meals and drinks are provided by Dr. Pepper Bottling Co.

Cheryl Mingle and staff from McMinnville-Warren County Senior Center mostly plan and execute the entire event. Cheryl has been involved in the senior day for 17 years and many hours of planning go into the day. She and her group work very hard to make it look easy!

Bud Godwin adds a little flair to the day with his colorful commentating. Since he is a senior citizen himself, Godwin can crack jokes about age that other people might not get by with. He has been in the radio business for too many years to mention, and is quite comfortable with a microphone in his hand. The sound system is handled by Ken Youngblood and he never knows exactly what talent presentations are going to be offered. He may have an a capella presentation, an organ recital or even a tune played on the spoons or the washboard.

While talking with members in the audience, I realized I’m not the only one that enjoys this day. Many people said they looked forward to coming to the fair on senior citizen day. Not all may wish to participate in the program, but many really enjoy sitting in the stands and laughing at the antics on stage. It’s just a lot of good-natured fun, people laughing, people eating good fair food and taking a little time out of their busy schedules to visit with neighbors and to relax.

I’m truly glad I get the assignment of covering this event. Yes, sometimes there are sad moments, but you just have to blink back the tears and focus on the many happy ones. So much goodwill is present at this event and so many people work hard trying to spread a little sunshine.

Maya Angelou put it best when she said — “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”