The sun shone brightly Monday morning after a brief rain shower as residents of The Homestead at Logan Acres headed outdoors for grand festivities to officially kick off the assisted living facility’s first County Fair, which takes place throughout this week.
The Homestead Director Kathryn Sherer welcomed the attendees and said the goal for the fair is to share in the fun together and also to offer residents a nostalgic look back at when they attended county fairs in their youth.
“I hope it opens up for you a treasure box of memories of fair days. Enjoy reminiscing of days gone by. We’re looking forward to the chance to add new memories, too,” said Sherer, who also happens to be retiring at the end of fair week on Sept. 2.
Logan County Fair royalty, including Princess Reagan Roell, 12; prince Grant Krabill, 11; junior princess Lesley Krabill, 9; and junior prince Jayvon Krabill, 8; stopped by to assist with the royalty ceremony.
The Homestead royalty Betty Stanfield, Walter Cramer, Betty Lindsey and Dick VanBuskirk each lit up as they were applauded and crowned by the youngsters.
Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler was joined by Bob Notestine, a resident of the facility and a former mayor of Bellefontaine in 1967, for a ribbon cutting.
Life enrichment coordinator Phil Forsythe helped to lead The Homestead choir and attendees in a song prior to other activities offered indoors, including a Canine Companions demonstration by Stahler and his wife, Sara, with “Peach” and new puppy “Biscotti.”
Forsythe and Brenda Mayths helped to plan all of the festivities for the week, which also includes daily contests, activities and artwork displays. A “guess who’s who” game — featuring residents’ old photographs and wedding pictures — offered throughout the week will wrap up Friday.