The crowd surpassed organizers’ expectations.

Executive director Linda Lobb said it was the largest turnout in the three-year existence of the event, which is available for citizens 55 years of age or older. Last year, turnout was low because of hot weather. The year before, attendance reached 150.

Lobb said the Council on Aging opted for an earlier start of 10 a.m. in hopes of increasing attendance.

“We started at 10 in the morning to try to combat any bad weather,” she said. “But the weather cooperated with us.

“The weather has been so nice.”

Diane Gillenwater and Joleen Thorpe of the group Pastense performed at Senior Day. The group was crowned champion of the Kansas State Pickin’ and Fiddlin’ contest. And once again this year, bingo was offered at the event.

“We try to vary it every year,” Lobb said, referring to the musical entertainment. “They really like playing bingo, so that’s why we stay with the bingo.”

Once the activities under the big top wrapped up, senior citizens boarded two tractor-pulled covered trolleys and toured the fairgrounds.

“Sometimes it’s hard for them to access the fairgrounds,” Lobb said.

For one resident attending the event, the best part of the day wasn’t necessarily playing bingo or listening to music.

“I like coming over here because I get to see a lot of people,” said Mildred Ann Werner of Easton.

In future years, Lobb hopes the Council on Aging can partner with the Leavenworth County Fair Board for the Senior Day.

This year, sponsors that helped provide resources for the event included: Evans Real Estate, Community National and First State banks of Tonganoxie, Dollar General, Twin Oaks Retirement and Assisted Living, Pelzl True Value, Village Floral, The Jewelry Shoppe, Sandy’s Flowers, Bichelmeyers, Sonic, Medicalodge Nursing Home and Homestead Assisted Living.