A Day At The Fair
El Campo couple named 'longest married'
By BURLON PARSONS bparsons@journal-spectator.com

Mary and Charles Osina of El Campo are the longest married couple at this year's Wharton County Youth Fair. They were married in July of 1938 and were recognized during Senior Day at the fair on Thursday, May 8. Staff Photo by Burlon Parsons

Senior Citizens' Day at the Wharton County Youth Fair is always huge and Thursday's event brought more than 850 seniors to the fair.

"We're here because of the many contributions you seniors have made in our community," said Wharton County Youth Fair President Darrel Kutach. "We thank you for what you have done and welcome you to the fair."

Many began to arrive when gates opened at 9 a.m. They were decked out wearing pink items and various colored bandanas.

As they streamed into Crescent Hall, seniors were treated to soft drinks and free health screens from the many health care booths set up around the hall.

Emcee Sherrell Speer reminded seniors it was May 8, 1945 when Germany surrendered in World War II. He congratulated them for being part of that generation.

Jodie and Barbara Socha coordinate the event each year and Jodie took time to welcome the seniors and invited them to stay around to see the animal projects.

Rainbow the Clown strolled through the hall offering seniors "doughnut seeds and quackers" to have with their chicken and dumplings.

Entertainment included the East Bernard Third Grade Choir, an East Bernard dance studio, singer Pam Hubenak and an accordion duo. Breaks were taken to give away many door prizes.

Teens from area National Honor societies and Fellowship of Christian Athletes helped serve seniors soft drinks and their bowls of chicken and dumplings. They also gathered their empty bowls and cups when finished.

After lunch and before bingo games began, special prizes were presented to some of the seniors.

Mollie Miller, 105, of Wharton was named to oldest woman present and Eugene Gary, 102, of Wharton was the oldest man present.

Lupe Ramirez of Wharton as named the person with the most children. He has 13 children.

The longest married couple are Charles and Mary Osina of El Campo who were married in July of 1938.

Edward and Carol Ermis of Louise claimed the title of most recently married couple. They were married on April 19 of this year. They had both lost their spouses in recent years.

Seniors continued to party and play bingo until all the prizes were won.