Seniors filled the room to see who would be recognized as the oldest male, female, and married couple.
Cade Higgins | The Lima News
LIMA — Tuesday marked Senior Citizens Day at the Allen County Fair. Admission was free for anyone 60 years of age or older.
At 11 a.m., the Golden Age Day Party took place in the Gospel Tent. Seniors filled the room to see who would be recognized as the oldest male, female, and married couple.
The oldest female in attendance was Mozelle Saylor at 107 years old. Saylor was one of two women older than 100 years of age in attendance.
The oldest male in attendance was Howard Lackey at 98 years old. Four males in attendance were at least 90 years of age. Of these four, two were at least 96.
The longest-married couple was Dorothy and Jim Morgan at almost 71 years. The couple was one of two that have been married for at least 70 years.
When asked about their wedding day and some of their biggest takeaways over this 70-year journey, they both looked at each other and smiled.
“Our church was small and it was filled up. Some people had to leave because there wasn’t enough room,” Dorothy stated.
“We have four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren,” they each said.
When it comes to enjoying their time at the fair, Dorothy loves the quilts, while Jim prefers seeing the livestock.
“We’ll be going to the races later too,” Jim stated.
At 1 p.m., the 9/11 Twin Towers Memorial Exhibit opened its doors for the first time Tuesday. Many from the Golden Age Day party made their way to the other side of the fair to experience this event.
While waiting, Cathy and Steve Hoehn, a senior couple, shared their experience at the fair and their feelings about what the exhibit meant.
We just take all this for granted in our world. We just don’t realize until devastation happens to realize how vulnerable we really are,” Cathy said.
Cathy was baking cookies during the morning of September 11th, 2001, and fondly remembered how the devastating events transpired.
When asked what their favorite parts of the fair were, both quickly declared, “The food.”
They had just eaten lunch and were sure to mention how overwhelming it was to choose.
Senior Citizens Day proved to be one that celebrated heartfelt longevity and cherished memories.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
