Although Oct. 6 was a dreary day outdoors, things were lively inside the Arnold Recreation Center for the Arnold Senior Expo, which was canceled last year because of the pandemic.
“It was just so nice to see everybody again,” Leader assistant publisher Peggy Scott said. “We had about 350 to 400 people come through during the morning. That is down from pre-COVID numbers, but it was good in a way, because people didn’t have to be cheek-by-jowl walking through.”
Hand sanitizer was available, masks were encouraged and social distancing practiced as much as possible during the event, which ran from 8 a.m. to noon. Free coffee and doughnuts were distributed, and many of the 37 vendors offered free “swag” and giveaways.
The Woodlands in Arnold provided a shuttle service from the parking lot to the rec center.
Mary Faller of Arnold had her name drawn from all eligible entries to win the grand prize, sponsored by Leader Publications. She received dinner for four at Trattoria Giuseppe in Otto and a private “Star Party” at the new astronomical observatory at Jefferson College in Hillsboro.
Ken Armstrong of Imperial and Linda House of Barnhart, the next two names drawn, each brought a guest to the Star Party, hosted by Don Ficken of the St. Louis Astronomical Society.
Ficken was a guest speaker at the expo, describing the observatory and outlining plans for expansion.
The expo also featured two free sessions of bingo, with gift certificates and restaurant coupons awarded as prizes. Rosemary Thompson of Arnold won three games during the first session.
Live music was provided by J.B. Louis and the Legends, the official Leader Senior Expo band.
Coronavirus vaccines and booster shots as well as seasonal flu shots were given by the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy indoors and the Jefferson County Health Department’s Wellness Van outside. Together, the two entities administered about 70 shots.
Health Department staff members also performed screenings and health checks.
The next Senior Expo is slated for Nov. 3 in Eureka.