An event took place at the Ironton Farmers Market on Thursday, aimed at educating seniors about the dangers of falls.

Ten Million Steps to Prevent Falls, part of a national campaign brought vendors and a crowd to the market, while participants took the time to walk the one-mile course through downtown Ironton.

“We’re here to raise awareness for Fall Prevention Day,” Stephanie Barnette, a nurse with the city health department said. “We want people to walk. Falls are prevalent in the elderly. We’re encouraging activity. The more active you are, the less likely you to fall.”

Barnette said the course was set up with security and extra water, so that people could register and walk the 2,000 steps that make up a mile.

The total numbers of steps walked are added up and sent to Columbus to be tallied with state results, she said. Ohio recorded 13 million steps taken in 2015 and Lawrence County ranked first in the state.

South Point council member Mary Cogan, one of the organizers, said the final tallies should be known in October.

“Hopefully, we’ll be number one again,” she said.

Trish Sanders served as master of ceremonies, the Rev. Steve Harvey delivered a prayer and Kristen Mootz sang the National Anthem for the event.

Barnette and Cogan said the event was organized primarily by Ironton Health Commissioner Laura Brown.

A number of booths were set up vending to senior needs, such as Our Lady of Bellefonte, who were offering blood pressure checks to passersby.

“We really appreciate the community support in putting this on,” Barnette said. “It takes a lot of people.”