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Senior Day brings out youthful excitement at Clinton County Fair

MACKEYVILLE -- Tuesday was all about area seniors at the 50th Annual Clinton County Fair with elders in our community getting plenty of activities and perks catered to them.

The day started off with free wellness checks by representatives from UPMC, with staff conducting blood pressure tests on anyone who wanted one.

They were also there to raise awareness of the various services UPMC provides to aid the elderly in our communities.

Director of Nursing Home Administration, Amanda Gresh, spoke on the different types of care provided, including short-term therapy stays, respite care, hospice services, long-term residence and dementia assistance.

"Haven Place and UPMC provide a great service for this county," said Gresh.

They then conducted free Bingo games for those that stuck around, with Clinton County Fair Queen Christina Smith hosting part of the game.

Prizes were awarded to the winners from a vast array of options, including snacks, puzzles, pillows and much more.

Bingo is a big hit at UPMC's assisted living facilities, so they wanted to bring some of that fun to the community at large.

Next up was a blast from the past, with Patsy Cline tribute singer Heather Olson providing entertainment at the Main Stage.

Olson has been performing as Patsy Cline since 2013, after she ended up having to fill a slot alongside similar Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley acts.

"Everybody brings their own spin to performances," she said, looking to create her own niche with Patsy Cline.

Since then, Olson has brought her act to all kinds of festivals and fairs, traveling around to share her unique country stylings.

She attributes her success to both the guidance of her father, who started her off with singing in his country band as a young child, and of course Patsy Cline, who inspired her act and gives her the courage to sing.

Her performance included many of Cline's greatest hits, including "I Fall to Pieces," "Crazy" and closing off with "Sweet Dreams."

The last themed festivity of the day was the Sizzling Seniors Talent Show, a fun showcase of some of our local talent.

The main event was a performance by the band "Fishers of Men," and afterwards several solo performers took to the stage with their instrumental or vocal acts.

The audience was then rewarded further for their attendance, with free lottery tickets.

Although senior day at the fair has finished up, there's still plenty of time to check out the fair throughout the rest of the week, so make sure to head down to 98 Racetrack Road in Mill Hall to join in for some family fun!

The fair will be running through Saturday, with $2 parking passes, $5 dollar general admission and free entry for those 12 and under.