MANSFIELD — A newly-crowned king offered frank words of advice Monday evening at the Richland County Fair.
“Work hard and quit complaining,” said David Dalton, a 93-year-old resident of Lexington Court.
Cheerful conversation, live music and applause filled the John Hartz building as six senior citizens graced the stage for the 2026 Ageless Beauty competition.
Contestants from three local senior care facilities competed for king and queen. They were judged based on wisdom, style, confidence and energy.
The contestants answered a variety of questions given by Trae Turner, chief of planning and development for the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.
Contestants also shared details about their life and offered advice to the younger generations.
Dalton, chosen king, served in the U.S. Navy and also spent time teaching government history at Loudonville Perrysville schools. He and his wife, Dotty, have four grown children.
Jo Favri, 92, was crowned queen. Favri moved in 1977 from North Carolina, where she loved spending time on her houseboat, to Mansfield, where she owned Jo’s Pub for 32 years.
When asked the secret to living long and staying young at heart, she responded with “Working in places that you love and helping others be happy.”
The event also recognized Lila Kearns, chosen as duchess, Larry Armstrong, chosen as duke. Additional contestants included a 99-year-old couple, Dean and Mary Feld.
From working hard to helping others, the contestants offered advice that reached beyond the competition.
Renee Khinebolt, the activity director at Crystal Care Center, the sponsor of this year’s contest, said the event gives seniors an opportunity to remain active and involved in the local community.
“Life isn’t over because you went to a nursing home,” Khinebolt said. “You know that you could still be out in the community and do things you like to do.”
