Area senior citizens will gather for a time of fellowship and fun at the Mollohan Center when Senior Citizens Day is held at Town and Country Days on Thursday, Aug. 17.

The day’s events provide something fun for every senior, but perhaps more importantly, it provides the opportunity for seniors to get together and exchange stories, laughter, and create wonderful memories. 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. TOPS, Air Evac Lifeteam, 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 other pertinent screenings.

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 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Bingo will be played followed by a tasty picnic. This year’s entertainment will be provided by Heartstrings. Heartstrings Gospel Band is an emerging cross genre group, blending sounds from genres ranging from bluegrass, southern gospel, contemporary Christian, and Irish pop. Heartstrings Gospel is a fresh sound spreading one of the oldest stories in existence – the story of Jesus Christ.

Heart Strings can be accessed at www.heartstringsgospelband.com

Other entertainment for the day will be “Tricky Chaz!” Tricky Chaz will entertain the crowd with balloons, juggling, and a bit of magic. Tricky Chaz will entertain from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Door prizes will also be given out during the lunchtime period, along with the musical entertainment. This year’s dinner includes BBQ boneless chicken breast, corn, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, and drinks.

The day of festivities will end at 2:30 p.m. when door prize winners pick up their winnings and the announcement of the Outstanding Senior is made.

Organizers remind everyone the fair events are for every senior citizen at the fair grounds 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.

Organizations also present Thursday will include the senior citizens’ Senior Health counselor from the Wetzel County Committee on Aging, West Virginia’s Attorney General’s Office, as well as other dignitaries.

Those who do not have transportation to the fair are welcome to ride a senior citizen’s van. Handicap accessible transportation is available. To arrange for transportation call the New Martinsville center, at 304-455-3220, Pine Grove, 304-889-3333, or Hundred at 304-775-5344.

The van service is free with no donations expected that day. Also, for those seniors who drive themselves and park at the fairs lot, a van will be located there to take them directly to the Mollohan Center from 8:30-11 a.m.

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

The Wetzel County Committee on Aging is also encouraging the public to submit nominations for the Outstanding Senior award. Those wishing to submit a name for consideration are asked to send a small letter to Mary Ash at wetzelccoa@suddenlinkmail.com or mail a letter to 145 Paducah Drive, New Martinsville, WV 26155. Letters must be received by Aug. 10.