SIDNEY — The longest-married couple at the Shelby County Fair, here, Tuesday, July 25, were as entertaining as the Senior Center Singers, who provided a concert for Senior Citizens Day festivities.
Viola and Robert Fogt, married Aug. 19, 1945, won a plaque and a gift certificate. It was Viola who got the big laugh of the day from the crowd of more than 500 people in the Free Entertainment Tent. When Senior Center Executive Director Eileen Wiseman asked the couple what the secret was for a long marriage, Viola didn’t miss a beat.
“I ignore him half the time,” she quipped, and the tent erupted in laughter. The Fogts are residents of Fair Haven, but used to live in Botkins.
Also honored were Norris Cromes, of Sidney, at 97, the oldest man, and Mary Dietz, 101, now of Sidney but originally from Botkins, the oldest woman at the fair, Tuesday.
“We have come to the fair since we were kids. We have missed some, but not too many,” Viola said. What she enjoys most is looking at animals, and her husband agrees.
“I like to look at livestock,” Robert said.
Dietz thought it would be hard to name what’s best about the fair.
“There are too many favorite things,” she laughed.
Cromes, who used to own Cromes Funeral Home in Sidney, recalled a feature of the fair from long ago.
“Way back when funeral homes had ambulances, we were out here every year with the ambulance at the race track,” he said. These days, he looks forward to the lunch on Senior Citizens Day.
Staff and volunteers of the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County organized the event. Honda of America sponsored the day, which permitted seniors free admission and, if they registered soon enough, a free lunch.
“We ran out of lunch tickets. This is unusual,” Wiseman said. The Shelby County Pork Producers had made 500 sausage sandwiches. Delivered to seniors in insulated bags provided by Wilson Health, the lunches included chips, applesauce, cookies and water.
The Senior Center Singers performed 13 numbers under the baton of Freda Maxson and with piano accompaniment by Sharon Geissler.
Seniors began gathering at 8 a.m. for the 11 a.m. program. They came from near and far.
Reva and James Leach, of Harrod, traveled some 45 miles to enjoy the day here.
“We like this little fair,” Reva said. “It’s better than our fair. We live in Allen County.” The couple go through the buildings and the barns, looking at animals, arts and crafts and commercial displays.
“They have good shows down here,” James said. “It’s a family fair.” Attending brings them good memories.
“This is more like a fair should be — like when I was a kid,” Reva noted.
Alice Goins, of Sidney, goes to the fair for the food. Her favorites have changed over the years.
“For so many years, I loved the French fries, but as I get older, I’m prone to something sweet — waffles and funnel cakes,” she said. And while food is the draw, she and the friend who accompanied her like to see animals, too.
“We just saw the llamas. I said (to my friend), ‘Be careful. They spit on you,’” she said.
Visiting the fair with Cromes was Carl Bell, of rural Pemberton.
“I’ve been here every year for quite some time. It’s changed a world from years ago. They used to have farm machinery and car dealers,” he said.
Before the concert, seniors got information and free gifts from the Senior Center, Ohio Living Dorothy Love, Honda of America, Fair Haven, Versailles Health Care Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Wilson Health, Catholic Social Services, The Pavilion, LanePark Sidney, Shelby Metropolitan Housing Authority, and Bridges Community Action.
“Honda has been a proud supporter of Senior Citizens Day at the Shelby County Fair since 2011. In addition to Senior Citizens Day, Honda also is an annual supporter of the Shelby County Fair, and we also provide grant support to the Senior Center of Sidney-Shelby County. We understand the significant role that both of these organizations have in the Shelby County community. Honda is committed to supporting programs and efforts in the communities that our associates call home,” said Stacey Pond Koons, of Honda of America, in an email.
Rachel Hale, of Ohio Living Dorothy Love, enjoys the event each year.
“I think it’s a good thing for the seniors and the fair. They get to come out and be recognized for their achievements,” she said.
