A rainy morning on Aug. 19 didn’t dampen the attendance or enthusiasm of about 700 people at Leader Publications’ Arnold Senior Expo at the Arnold Eagles Hall
“We had such a fun morning,” said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, Leader advertising manager. “I’m so happy that the rain did not deter seniors from coming out.”
The expo featured three speakers who provided information on various topics important to seniors.
“I learned something new from all of our speakers,” Skaggs said.
Montana Lane from Arnold Parks and Recreation began the morning by sharing information on the new evening farmers market in Arnold.
Emily Barbee from the MU Health Extension in St. Louis shared information on healthy aging programs in Jefferson County. She also provided a demonstration for movements seniors may practice to stay healthy.
“I learned a lot and heard good reminders from Emily,” Skaggs said. “Movement is the key to feeling and staying young.”
The last speaker was Arnold Police Officer Josh Lambrich who spoke about common scams and crimes that target seniors.
“I always love when we have a police officer come and just give a safety talk,” Skaggs said. “It’s always interesting to hear the new scams that are out there.”
There were two rounds of bingo during the event with gift cards to local businesses awarded to winners.
About 45 vendors provided information for seniors, handed out free items and held prize giveaways.
“It’s all local businesses that come together and support our event and make it possible for us to have it free for seniors,” Skaggs said.
Skaggs said vendors had a difficult morning due to the rain but were able to push through.
“I’m so grateful to all of them for coming out, sticking through the rain, being there, offering their expertise and services to our amazing seniors,” she said.
Many vendors held drawings for prizes that were announced near the end of the event. Prizes included gift cards to local businesses, gift baskets or free services.
Mona Asinger of Barnhart was the winner of the grand prize: a handcrafted cedar Adirondack chair from the Jefferson College ATS program and two Jefferson College Vikings all-season passes.
Gloria Lee of Arnold attended the expo with some friends. She had previously been a part of expos as a vendor, but since retirement, she said she enjoys attending the events.
“I used to work these, and I know several of the vendors, and several of the vendors are now providers of mine, so I wanted to see them,” Lee said.
She said expos are a good time to socialize with vendors and other attendees.
“If I have a question that’s about senior services, this is a place I can come find out about it plus, I can just see people I know,” she said.
The event concluded with performances by J.B. Louis and the Legends Band.
“If you have not stayed around at a senior expo for the music, you are truly missing out on one of the best parts,” Skaggs said.
The remaining expos include the Farmington Area Senior Expo on Sept. 16 at the Mineral Area College Technology Center and Eureka Senior Expo on Oct. 28 at the Timbers of Eureka.
The events are free to attend and geared to people 50 and older. Businesses and organizations interested in securing a vendor space at the expos may contact the Leader at 636-931-7560 or ads@myleaderpaper.com.
Patty Meyer photos
