My daughter, who loves to see the Arabian horse show at the Howard County Fair each year, noticed that "Senior Day at the Fair," was Aug. 5, the same day as the horse show.

She managed to take off work, in order to take me, too. I also always enjoy the horse shows, but was leery of even trying to go, because of limited mobility. I now use a walker.

Seniors, I have to tell you the fair management has really worked to provide transportation and to make it as convenient as possible for us "older ones," even those with mobility issues, to attend the fair.

If you don't get to go this year, remember it next year. You don't have to miss the fun because you feel you can't get around as well as you used to.

We lucked out, probably because we were at the gate at 8:30 a.m., or so, and, there were empty handicapped parking spaces right there by the ticket booth, just waiting for us. Then as we walked to the gate, word had been passed via radios, to a volunteer driver of a large golf cart. So, we were informed that someone "was on his way to pick us up." It turned out to be one Arthur Linthicum, of Ellicott City, one of the senior volunteers.

Because we were early, only the main eating facility was open. We were hungry for the fried dough, so we waited until 10 a.m. to get something to eat. Again, because we were early, we could pick our sitting space on the benches around the horse show ring. My daughter could also keep check on the pony ring right back of where we were sitting for the Shetland pony events, also.

Being early, we were able to pick a shady spot right by the exit gate, allowing us to see the winners and ribbons, up close. We learned that the management had been short a volunteer to hand out the ribbons and awards and, most importantly, to open and close the gate for the event participants.

Although they had prepared the sorted boxes of ribbons and awards and they were ready on the table outside the gate, they needed someone to be on the spot and hand them out. Judy Gaardsmoe, of Woodbine, stepped up and offered to handle these functions.

All of the horses were eye-catching with the many colors of Arabians, handsome and proud; after all, they were Arabians! One strawberry roan was so light colored and gorgeous that it was difficult to take one's eyes off of it. In addition, there were some mixed colored manes and tails, unique, to me. The paint horse was very special in my mind, I did not expect one show.

For me, there were two special events, "The Classic Head" and the "Liberty" events. The way these horses hold their heads and prance, even when they run, makes one admire their pride and their heritage.

The pictures of them catches one's attention, but the "Liberty" event allows the horse to be free of the halter and to run to the music blaring out of the loud speaker. Some even run in beat with the music, but almost every one of them stops when the music stops. A couple of them did not stop with the music and were reluctant to be haltered again, they were free and wanted that liberty to continue.

Several of the Arabian events featured an older, neatly coifed lady in riding breeches and her partner/husband. Their names were James and Anne Pomeroy, 78 and 74, respectively, of Bennett's Creek Farm, in Frederick. They had an Arabian in the Liberty event and they had earned several ribbons for earlier events of the morning.

We had to leave, but on the way out, we saw two future participants, warming up by circling/walking. They were dressed in eye-catching brilliant purple shirts, with shiny sequins and black riding trousers, hats and boots, with the youngster on her pony, being led by her mom or grandma. They were waiting for their turn in the pony ring. They were a matched set and looked great.

The final event that we caught, as we passed the judges' stand was the last Liberty, with the Paint I mentioned earlier and his trainer, who appeared to be the oldest of the trainers, to that point. He had taught the Paint tricks, bowing and even crossing his front legs, a feat which he performed dutifully and beautifully. The audience loved it.

The fair had rides for the young at heart, food for the sweet tooth and competitions for all ages. From quilting to preserves, pies to livestock, chickens and bunnies to photography and so much more.

The entertainment was placed all over and at varying times so that if you missed one thing, you could catch something else. Horse shows start the day, but by the end of it, you can experience the country by taste, sound, sight, smell and in most cases, touch.

My new experience with my limited mobility made me leery of attempting a fair, but with the help of volunteers, I was able to get around and see everything. I wish I had had more time.

Enjoying all that we managed to see, we had to race back to allow me to make it to the next scheduled activity -- participation in the Columbia Focus Group on local retirement facilities.

Not having been involved before in such a panel, I was not sure how long it would be nor what it was all about. We made it on time and it took about two hours, but it was a very interesting and worthwhile project. It even earned me some money. There were about 14 of us and we each were given a check as we left for having contributed to a marketing project for one of the local facilities. It turned out to be Advantage House in Columbia.

August is another busy month at the Ellicott City Senior Center, especially with the bus trip to the QVC Studio Tour, in West Chester, Pa., near Philadelphia, Wednesday, Aug. 20. The trip also includes a tour of the Herr's Potato Chip Factory and lunch at Mendenhall Inn. Buses depart at 8:15 a.m. and return at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $66 per person and tickets are on sale now.

Other upcoming events:

* Bingo & Birthdays Party, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., $2 plus lunch donation.

* Social Security Administration Chorus, Aug. 28, 12:30 p.m., Great Room, free.

* Friday Flicks: "27 Dresses," Aug. 15; "The Water Horse," Aug. 22; at 1 p.m. and suggested donation is $1. Register at the front desk or call at 410-313-1400.

Activities at the Bain Center include:

* "Senior Chorus," sing under the direction of music professionals from Howard Community College, perform at the center and in the community. Wednesdays, 15 weeks, beginning Aug. 27, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. For information call Barbara at 410-313-7369.

* Exotic India, (slide show and vegetarian Indian luncheon), Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m, Cost: $8. Register at the center (410-313-7213, 5470 by Aug. 21.

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