Senior Day at the 2025 Mercer County Fair offered more than just bingo and prizes—it celebrated a living history of the community. Doug Sturgill joined WRMJ’s Terry James at the fairgrounds to reflect on the legacy of local seniors and the special day set aside to honor them.
“It’s great to have this attraction in our community,” Sturgill said, noting how many longtime residents have fond memories tied to the fairgrounds—including the upstairs of the Merchants Building, once home to roller skating, dances, and countless stories. “One of my close friends—her grandfather built that building,” he shared.
Even the grandstand has a history of its own. “It’s been moved twice,” Sturgill noted, explaining that the same lumber from the old fairgrounds has been reused and repurposed through the years.
Senior Day featured a full slate of activities: bingo, door prizes, vendor booths, and a meal provided by Brookstone. The Human Service Council and other community partners also participated, creating a welcoming space for seniors to gather, reminisce, and enjoy the fairgrounds they helped build and sustain.
“It’s nice to see that continuity just keep going,” Sturgill said. “The older generation loves to see the younger generation take it over.”