The annual Russell County Hospital Health Fair was a huge success with more than 700 people in attendance this past weekend, according to Teresa Spaw with Russell County Hospital.

Spaw said this was the fourth year of the free event, which began in 2006 with the hospital's 25-year celebration.  

"The health fair is usually held on the campus of Russell County Hospital," she said. "However it was relocated the Russell County High School gymnasium due to the inclement weather conditions."

She said with the decision being made to change the location just a few days before the event, hospital officials were concerned about the turnout.  

But Russell Countians came in droves as more than 700 people attended the event in the high school where they learned about the many health services provided by the hospital and the other local businesses.

Spaw said this was just the number of people who registered at the entrance of the school and some came in without stopping to register.  

"Community support for this event was outstanding as usual with approximately 53 vendors available to provide information and answer questions to all who came through," she said.

The vendors included most health-oriented businesses in the county as well as several other businesses.

Children could play numerous games, get a face painting or a free balloon at the event as well.

"In the two weeks leading up to the health fair, 1,250 labs were drawn and approximately 45 were drawn at Saturday's Health Fair," Spaw said.

The hospital wished to thank the Russell County Board of Education for allowing use of the high school for this event.

Spaw said musical entertainment was provided by Matt Franklin and Amy Lawless as well as Bernie Bricker.

Spaw also recognized the Russell County Hospital Auxiliary who grilled hot dogs for a meal that was provided for $1 with benefits going to the local Relay For Life.

"Special thanks goes to everyone at RCH who worked so hard on this year's event, but most of all to Kim Clark, Nursing who organized the event with the assistance of Alisha Pyles, Nursing," she said.

The people's choice for the event's tractor show was Johnny Popplewell and the people's choice for the car show was Harold Weiand.

Spaw said the winner of the Holland Grill, which was given away by the hospital, was Bunnie Morris of Campbellsville.

She said event planning for next year's health fair will begin soon.