Senior royalty honored at Huron County Fair

NORWALK — For many years the Senior Citizen Royalty Contest was a large part of Senior Day at the fair, but it was canceled in 2020 and held with no candidates present in 2021. This year the contest returned in a modified form with all area senior facilities asked to choose their own royalty. No fair king or queen would be chosen, but each participant would be honored on Senior Day. Gaymont Nursing Center, Norwalk Memorial Home and Twilight Gardens participated. Beforehand, the winners were asked what they considered the greatest invention during their lifetime, who influenced them the most and what would be their advice to young people. Gaymont Nursing Center's Queen Helen Steele said her brand-new car was a great invention, her mother influenced her the most and her advice to youngsters was, "Be good to your parents." King Ralph Reinhart loves new farm equipment, his greatest influencer was his father and he hopes young people "will take an interest in farming and animals." Norwalk Memorial Home Queen Marian Andrews' favorite invention was the oven because she loves to bake, her favorite person is nurse Annie Peters and she tells young people "Get involved with your school." King Allen Ruggles puts the lightbulb at the top of all conventions because he said, "It lit up the world." His father was the greatest influence in his life, and his advice is, "You have two feet, so stand on them and talk." The royalty from Twilight Gardens were unable to attend, but Queen Pam Demarco claimed the internet as a great invention, her son was her greatest influencer and her advice would be, "Go to school and get an education." King Dave Quaintance felt computers were a great invention, his big brother helped him the most in life and his advice is, "Work hard and keep busy." Informational displays were provided by the three facilities mentioned above, plus from SouthernCare Hospice, Blossom Healthcare, the Area Agency on Aging, Bellevue Care Center, Stein Hospice, Devoted Health Plans, The Willows at Willard, AmeriCorps and Enrichment Centers for Huron County.