WOOSTER -- For years, Duane and Ginny Bodager have enjoyed at least one meal a day at the Grange Dining Hall at the Wayne County Fair.

Like many, they're disappointed to see it go, but say they'll give the new operator a try next year.

At the close of this year's fair, the Wayne Grange Cafeteria will cease operations, a decision prompted by increasing shortages in available volunteers, according to manager Betsy Bower.

"It's been a brutally hard, weird year," Bower said Tuesday afternoon, noting rain kept lunch crowds to a minimum, but with higher volume at dinner time, workers at the dining hall "we're selling the same amount of food."

After more than 50 years of operation, for the final year, they brought back the original noodles and dressing, complete with eggs.

"Pretty much everybody says it will never be the same," said Bower.

Gene Shisler, a member of East Union Grange, has been working at the dining hall for about 35 years. Shisler does everything for ensuring the drink pitchers are filled to emptying trash cans and busing tables.

Like Bower, the end of a era is bittersweet for Shisler, noting pulling the annual event off has gotten increasingly difficult in recent years.

But, for one final year, the Bodagers will continue to enjoy a wholesome, economical meal, said Ginny Bodager, noting, "You just feel better on this food."

Joining them for a midday lunch were their daughter and son-in-law, Staci and Jerry Badger, along with their children, Kyle, 5, and Kaleb, 22 months.

It wasn't until she became a parent that Staci Badger realized the benefit of the dining hall's food.

"I never ate in here until I was a parent," she said, noting young Kyle, dressed in cowboy boots and hat, is a fan of the chicken legs. He, however, struggled to eat the green beans that topped his plate.

"You get a lot for your money, and it's nice to be able to sit down," she said.

Gene and Tish Moore didn't mind standing in line for lunch at the dining hall.

Tish Moore, the first Wayne County Junior Fair queen, said they've come nearly every year to enjoy a meal at the dining hall.

"I always had 4-H projects, and now I drag (Gene Moore) along wherever I go," she said, adding that over the years she has volunteered to serve and make pies.

It's those sweet treats both say they most enjoy. "The older you get, the less you bake at home," she said.

She's sad to see it go, explaining, "It's an institution. It's been here nearly all my life."

At 88, Walter Canode, a member of East Union Grange, understands why that institution has come to an end.

"People are getting older," he said, adding that for years he helped to fry the chicken.

He's since returned as a customer, and this year was looking forward to one last meal of chicken and dressing.