• By JORDAN RHODES Staff Writer

Rick Worthy, owner of Ricky’s Mobility, worked on an electric wheelchair that will be available for visitors during the Huntingdon County Fair.

Photo by JORDAN RHODES

With a week to go until the Huntingdon County Fair, thousands of visitors will soon make their way to the fairgrounds for a week of food, rides, livestock exhibits and entertainment.

For some visitors, navigating the fairgrounds can be challenging, especially for those with mobility limitations.

This year, attendees will have another option. Rick Worthy, owner of Ricky’s Mobility, will provide free wheelchair and electric scooter rentals throughout fair week to help make the event more accessible.

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“I was taught to give,” Worthy told The Daily News. “I was brought up that way.”

Worthy said providing the service goes beyond the Huntingdon County Fair and is part of his goal to help people with mobility challenges.

“It’s not only the fair, it’s helping people all over the world,” Worthy said.

Worthy said everywhere he goes, he shares information about his business and his desire to help people who use wheelchairs, walkers or canes.

Ricky’s Mobility was created in memory of Worthy’s son, Richard E. “Ricky” Worthy II, who died in 2009 at the age of 30 from melanoma.

For the Huntingdon County Fair, Ricky’s Mobility will be located in Johnson Hall near the fishbowl game. Worthy clarified that Ricky’s Mobility is a separate business from Ricky’s Wheels, which will not be providing services at the fair this year.

This will be the first year Ricky’s Mobility will be available at the Huntingdon County Fair and the first year Worthy will offer electric scooters at the event.

“I bought all new batteries and everything,” Worthy said. “So I am all ready to go.”

Wheelchairs and electric scooters will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Worthy said reservations will not be accepted.

“The electric chairs will be available when they’re charged,” Worthy said.

Worthy said family members will assist him during fair week to help manage the equipment and make sure visitors are not using equipment that needs to be charged.

Visitors using the equipment will be required to sign in and sign out and will use the wheelchairs and scooters at their own risk.

Worthy said the equipment will be available beginning around 11 a.m. or noon each day and must be returned to Johnson Hall by approximately 9:30 p.m.

Worthy said he accepts monetary donations, which can be mailed to the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, 1616 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.

Those interested in receiving items from Ricky’s Mobility outside of the fair can schedule an appointment by calling (814) 643-6953.

Jordan can be reached at jrhodes@huntingdondailynews.com.