The lunch, which is sponsored by Mercy Memorial Hospital and the Mercy McAuley Center, provided free meals for about 1,300 seniors Tuesday. The event has been an annual tradition that has grown in recent years, said Jeanne Bowman, administrator at Mercy memorial hospital.
More than 50 volunteers donated their time to staff the event and serve the seniors. Bowman said one of the residents who attended Tuesday would also win a free rocking chair, donated by fair board member Chuck Havens.
Strickland, who spent a few hours at the fair Tuesday, said she hadn’t had a chance to sample any of the food yet, but was holding back $20 to grab some lunch.
“I love the fairs and the fact that they’re so family oriented,” Strickland said.
For most of those at the dinner, the lunch is a chance to catch up with old friends. Claudette Cramer said she attends the lunch every year to meet with friends like Philip Roth, a retired caretaker of the fairgrounds who was visiting from Florida.
“We’re too old for the rides,” Cramer joked.
Richard and Rita Bowser, of Urbana, said they attend the dinner every year. Richard said his brother used to raise harness horses, and they planned to stick around for the races later in the evening.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
About the Author