Summertime always makes me think of fair time. The county fair can mean different things to different people. It can be a busy time, getting the animals and kids ready for their big event of the year. It can create excitement to go to the midway and ride the carnival rides. It can bring about feelings of nostalgia for the past.
Many fun things happen at the fair: animals, tractors, activities, events, and food. Catching up with old friends that you haven’t seen in the past year. Reminiscing about the fairs of the past and fun times.
The Barry County Fair is coming up! It will take place July 14-19 this year. Seniors and Veterans day is Tuesday, July 15. Special programming will be held in the Expo building, beginning at 9:30am. The program includes health testing, a special speaker, door prizes, musical entertainment, and a box lunch. This is free for seniors, but registration is required. Call the Barry County Commission on Aging at (269) 948-4856 to register.
The Calhoun County Fair will take place next month, August 1-0-16. Veterans’ Day is Monday, August 11, where active and retired military and First Responders can get in free from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Then, on Wednesday, August 13, seniors 60+ get in free from 9:00am to 3:00 pm for Senior & Health Day. There will also be free activities and information in the Belcher Building from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. These are great opportunities to socialize!
Socialization is so important to individual health. Both physical and mental health are impacted by socialization, or lack thereof. Going to the fair can increase socialization for a week at a time. But how can we keep that going throughout the year?
CareWell Services offers free programs throughout the year. Exercise classes are held every Tuesday and Friday at the CareWell Services offices on the second floor of the Kool Family Center. Membership is NOT required to participate in any CareWell Services’ activities. Fridays also feature a weekly lunch and learn event. Each week is a new and different topic that includes conversation and social interactions. Lunches cost $6 each, or you may participate cost-free by bringing your own lunch or not eating. Interactive electronic games with Obie also occur on Fridays at CareWell Services.
To view the calendar online, go to carewellservices.org/events-calendar/. You can also view the activities available at Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center in Marshall or Forks Senior Center in Albion. We hope you’ll join us for some fun this month!