Mid-October and a delightful day for the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair!
Welcome to the 61st Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and ALL it has to offer. You said ‘FAIR,’ and this lives up to all it's supposed to be. A marvelous variety of bright colors, lights, balloons, flags, people, food, and entertainment were all to be had there, and also included in all its splendor were the exhibits, arts and crafts, art gallery, livestock, rides, and much more.
The Kiwanis Club's motto is "Serving the children of the world." They are a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
So, I'm calling the ‘Young at Heart’ with the BIG or LITTLE child in you. There is something for everyone at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair!! Remember ‘age’ is just a number.
A fair is defined ‘as an exhibition, exposition, or a public event where there is often food and entertainment.’ Yes, indeed the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, in Statesboro, definitely is ‘on the ball’ in living up to its mission.
Tips for a great Fair visit
This week, I had a great opportunity to attend the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair on ‘Seniors Day’. Just for future reference, Tuesday is usually that day, and the admission is FREE for you. However, every day can be Seniors day if you make it one!
A few suggestions before you journey out. BE PREPARED, Senior Adults!
- Bring cash (ATMs available if you need)
- Wear comfortable walking shoes (with grippers)
- Bring a sweater or jacket (or wear your favorite sleeveless vest)
- Be early and stay late (enjoy the live entertainment)
- Be ready to have FUN!
Senior Adults, this will help you create a great mood to enjoy all that the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has to offer including an abundance of laughter, chattin' and 'heys' and hugs. Oh, and let’s not forget: ‘full tummies!’
VARIETY comes with your TICKET!!
Coming early assists with getting great parking, meeting friendly attendants for both regular parking and the accessible parking spots. You'll find great signage for ATMs and restrooms, etc. I had NO issues with traffic coming in or leaving. It was VERY well managed. The Kiwanis volunteers have it covered, running like a ‘well oiled machine!’
My 'Senior Night' at the Fair
First stop for me was at the Kiwanis Pancake House for pancakes and 3 large fried sausages, of course. This meal is a definite MUST when visiting this Fair. Extraordinary service (keeping the lines moving), an abundance of seating with the great cleanup crews -- all welcome parts of the Pancake House. Clean, tidy, and ready for the next crowd to sit, eat, and enjoy! Did I already say ‘very delicious???'
Moving towards the Exhibits, on the grounds were a variety of food stalls and food trucks. Oh yea, the Saucy Shrimp was there. Whatever your palate desired was available and of course: ‘Funnel Cakes,’ anyone?
Turning towards the Exhibits were a fine collection of Crafts, Art Gallery, and 4-H minibooths. Knitting and crocheting, colorful quilts, afghans of all sizes and even Lego buildings were in display cases. All were presented beautifully. The Gallery had artwork from very talented local artists from the majority of Elementary, Middle, and High schools.
The 4-H had beautiful and informative displays of the HYBRID car, history of photography, healthy living/eating tips, along with hand therapy, just to mention a few. So interesting you could stay there all day getting informed.
The majority of the talent had been judged, and it was FUN to identify the winners, seeing their ribbons and the topics. A huge draw for me. Plus they had several chairs to rest if you needed a break.
There were also vendors for honey, jams and jellies of all types, candles, oils, incense, teas, and herbs with natural healing powers. All were very well attended.
Of course, the midway had rides galore, but as one lady said, I prefer to stay off the rides because it "HURTS my body!”
I did, however, meet several senior adults that loved riding the ferris wheel either as a couple or by oneself. Guess we may ‘hurt tomorrow,’ we laughed.
One Senior couple, the Joneses, of multiple decades of marriage, said they love coming to the fair every year. Their most favorite thing is riding the ‘ferris wheel’ and seeing the beautiful scenery and landscape of Statesboro. I asked them if they could take pictures, and he replied, “I left my phone at home, so I could ENJOY the Fair and NOT mess with that business.” Another friend said her companion loves to ride the ferris wheel alone and likes going down her personal ‘Memory Lane’ from way up high.
As I was about to leave, the live entertainment was gearing up and the crowd started moving in that direction. You cannot walk 10 steps before you see a friendly smiling face of a friend or someone you have not seen in years.
Seniors, have I piqued your interest yet? Will you come for a couple of hours and have some FUN? There is still time.The Fair is here til late Saturday night.
Fun and great memories for all ages
While I was strolling around the grounds, I met a Senior that moved here 26 years ago after she married. She LOVES THE FAIR, especially the hamburgers, the honey, and the exhibits. Another Senior said she moved to Statesboro years ago but never could come to the Fair because she couldn't afford it. However, this year is her 1st time and she ‘LOVES IT ALL,’ especially the livestock.
Then I met a couple, the Cowarts, who had lived in the area for 70 years, commenting on them being a 1st time fair-goer as a couple. They said they enjoy the exhibits and of course the food variety at reasonable prices. Years ago, it was very expensive to come but "we are here and glad!"
Finally, one lady told me she looks forward to coming to the Fair every year. "I love the pancakes, of course, but mostly like to socialize, walk around meeting new people, and people watching. You always see someone you know!," she said.
The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair is a multi-generational Fair. I saw Grandmas talking to their grandbabies, sending sweet kisses across the grounds, hugging, holding, eating, and playing. First generation babies enjoying the lights and balloons and maybe Grandpa or Daddy won them a stuffed animal. Senior Adult couples walking arm-in-arm after the pancake supper and strolling amongst the crowd smiling and reminiscing. Greatgrands, grandparents and Senior Adults ... they were all glowing with happiness.
Make it a Senior Saturday for the last day of the Fair
So Seniors, grab your bestie or one of your family members (or just head out by yourself!) and make your way to this amazing, fun-filled extraordinary event. You still have time!!
Well, my Senior friends, it’s ‘DARK 30,’ as my hubby would say, time to go home! It's getting a little chilly (glad I brought that vest), and seeing the beautiful crescent of the moon and walking back to the car, in a well lit parking area, sure made me feel comfortable. Yes, definitely happy and excited I came!!
All proceeds from the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair benefit local area non-profit organizations, so you can also feel good about your visit. Tickets can be bought online or at the gate (cash only). You have ONE MORE DAY (Saturday) to enjoy this year's Fair, so get your comfy shoes ready!! It will be open from NOON to MIDNIGHT -- wow!
Thank you, Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair for another fine Senior Moment!
