The very first Edgefield County Senior Citizens Council Fall Festival held last Thursday at the Senior Center drew a crowd of 275 to 300 seniors and was a smashing success, said Senior Citizens Council Director Jim Griffith. The festival will become an annual event.

“We were well pleased with the outcome,” said Griffith. “We had seniors from Aiken, Saluda, and all over Edgefield County.”

Griffith said this event will take the place of the Pig Pickin’ held in May every year.

“We celebrated then because May is Older Americans month. But some wanted to have something in the fall when it is cooler. Some of the activities are held outside,” he said.

The event kicked off with the dedication of a two-tenths mile recently-completed walking track behind the Senior Center. Funds for the walking track were provided by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

Four representatives from SCDOT were present and spoke briefly. The Rev. David Bouknight of Edgefield United Methodist Church gave the invocation. Seniors participated in a walk which consisted of five laps around the track, making up one mile. Winners were awarded first, second and third place medals.

Other activities of the day included Bingo, a Fashion Show, a Health Fair and a Cake Walk. Crafts were on display for purchase. A lunch of Hawaiian Chicken and barbecue pork were served with all the trimmings.

“The Health Fair had eight entries,” said Griffith. “They had blood pressure checks and other health services available, and Home Health was present. The Lieutenant Governor’s Office gave out information on aging.

John McKie was the winner of a $100 raffle. T-shirts were also on sale. Many nice door prizes were given out.

“We had excellent participation from the merchants in the area,” said Griffith. “We want to thank them and encourage our seniors to patronize them.”

Lois Keesley of Edgefield said she thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“I’ve been here all day,” she said. “I won twice at Bingo and won a door prize.”

Yvonne Harman, who came on a bus from Vintage Gardens, said she won a floral arrangement at Bingo and a Governor’s bag for a door prize. Four women who came with her won cakes.
Mildred Predojev, her neighbor, said she won $50 as a door prize.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I’m so glad we came and that they have something like this.”