The Gracemen will perform at Senior Citizens Day activities at Town and Country Days on Aug. 14.

Area senior citizens will gather for food, fellowship, and fun at the Mollohan Center when Senior Citizens Day is held at Town and Country Days on Aug. 14.

The day’s events provide something fun for every senior, but perhaps even more importantly, it is provides the opportunity for seniors to get together and exchange stories, laughter, and a meal. Many attendees say it is similar to a yearly reunion.

The day will begin on a healthy note when a health fair will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Anwar, Wetzel County Hospital, and local healthcare centers will all be present for the event, which will include a variety of diagnostics, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, as well as bone density scanning. These health screenings are free and will be held in the spacious, air conditioned, and handicap-accessible Mollohan Center on the fairgrounds, located at the Wetzel County 4-H Camp.

From 10:30-11:45 a.m., Bingo will be played, followed by a tasty lunch of ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, strawberry-glazed bananas, and cake.

Back by popular demand will be The Gracemen to provide after-lunch entertainment from 1:30-2:30 p.m. This southern-gospel group is known for their strong vocal harmony, integrity, and a passion for ministering through song.

Another familiar famous face will be that of “Barney Fife,” who will also be attending this year’s Town and Country Days again.

Door prizes will also be given out during the lunchtime period and musical entertainment. Two large raffles will also be held that day.

The day of festivities will end at 2:30 p.m. when door prize winners pick up their winnings and the announcement of the Senior of Year is made. This year’s door prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants, first aid kits from Wetzel County Hospital, and free oil changes at Valley Towing.

Friends and family are encouraged to nominate seniors 55 years of age and older to be named Outstanding Senior of the Year by the Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year Committee. The special senior should have made the community a better place; however, they do not need to be a member of a senior center. They also do not need to have done their community work through an organization. The Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year will receive a plaque, Walmart gift card, and gift bag.

A brief written statement of a nominated senior citizen must be submitted to Mary Ash at 145 Paducah Drive, New Martinsville, WV 26155, by Aug. 11.

Organizers remind everyone the events are for every senior citizen at the fair that day, not just those who live in Wetzel County. Also, all senior citizens age 65 and up are admitted to the fairgrounds free that day from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Furthermore, Thursday’s activities will also fund a good cause, as seniors are invited to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to local food banks. Food items will be collected from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizations also present Thursday will include the senior citizens’ SHIP counselor from the Wetzel County Committee on Aging, the area’s Child Advocacy Center, West Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office, Tim Hooper from the State’s Treasurer’s office, as well as information on Wetzel County prescription drug cards.

Those who do not have transportation to the fair are welcome to ride a senior citizens’ van-handicap accessible transportation is available. To arrange for transportation call the New Martinsville center, 304-455-3220; Pine Grove, 304-889-3333; or Hundred, 304-775-5344. The van service is free with no donations expected that day. Also, for those seniors who drive themselves and park the fair’s lot, a van will be located there to take them directly to the Mollohan Center from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Local donations toward Senior Citizens’ Day are made by Town and Country Days, Wetzel County Committee on Aging, and Witschey’s.