To see winners and additional entries to the "My Best Ride" photo contest, click here:
The Eureka Senior Expo will return Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Timbers of Eureka Recreation Center, 1 Coffey Park Lane.
“We’re pleased to be returning to the Timbers,” Leader publisher Peggy Scott said. “Last year was our first time here, and we found the space works very well for this event.”
The expo, sponsored by Leader Publications, runs from 8 a.m. to noon and will feature vendors with a wide variety of goods and services of interest to seniors.
Seniors from Eureka and beyond are invited. Admission and parking are free, and free coffee and doughnuts will be offered while supplies last. The event also includes guest speakers, bingo, live music, prizes and more.
Attendees are encouraged to park on the Timbers lot and in front of Camila’s Tex-Mex Cuisine, 54 Legends Parkway, Suite 152. A shuttle provided by STL Golf Cart Shuttle will run continuously from the parking areas to the rec center front door.
This year’s grand prize is a golf package, courtesy of Leader Publications, Fore Honor Golf & Events Center, Wildwood Pub & Grill and the Brian Lavalle American Family Insurance agency in High Ridge. It includes:
■ Golf for four at Fore Honor Golf Course, 5300 Dulin Creek Road, House Springs: date TBD (some restrictions apply).
■ $200 in gift cards plus eight hours of golf simulator play from Wildwood Pub & Grill, 17253 New College Ave., Wildwood.
■ A hat, golf glove, divot tool and a sleeve of golf balls from The Legends Country Club in Eureka.
■ A blanket, water bottle, bag with golf equipment including tees, ball markers, and a pair of sunglasses from the American Family Insurance Brian LaValle Agency in High Ridge.
■ Leader can koozies.
“This is a great package, designed for those who play regularly or those who are just trying it for the first time,” said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital marketing manager for the Leader. “The simulator is really cool. It’s a great way to try out the game.”
The winner will be drawn at random from among all entries and must be present to win. The winner will be announced at 11 a.m., with attendance prizes from vendors awarded at the same time.
■ Beginning at 8 a.m., vendors will be on hand, many offering giveaways and drawings for free items. (Smart attendees will bring pre-printed address labels to enter drawings, fill out forms or request information.) Free doughnuts and coffee will be available.
■ 8:45-9:40 a.m. A Beginner Step class will be offered in Timbers Studio 2, led by June.
■ 9 a.m. The first of two free bingo sessions will be held on the second floor in Meeting Room 1. Eureka Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Diekmann will serve as caller.
■ 9-9:55 a.m. A Senior Cardio Fit class will be held in Timbers Meeting Room 2, led by Amber.
■ 9:30 a.m. in the Timbers party room, Robin McDonough, Outreach and Programming coordinator of the History & Genealogy Department at the St. Louis County Library, will speak on local history and available library resources.
■ 10 a.m., Second session of free bingo in Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, called by Eureka Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Diekmann.
■ 10:15-11:10 a.m.. A yoga class will be offered in Studio 2, led by Jenna.
■ 10:30 a.m. in the Timbers party room, Eureka Parks and Recreation supervisor Lizzie Roberds will speak about the Scarecrow Festival.
■ 11 a.m., Grand prize and other prizes will be announced.
■ 11:15 a.m., J.B. Louis and the Legends band will perform.
■ Noon. Expo closes.
Three lucky winners were drawn at random from among the more than 80 entries in the “My Best Ride” contest, where readers were encouraged to submit photos and stories about their most memorable vehicle.
Tom Schilling, 82, of Barnhart will receive the $100 first prize for a photo of himself in 1966 as the proud, 25-year-old owner of a 1966 Pontiac.
Second-place winner Greg Filer, 71, of Festus receives $75 for a photo of the spiffy, shiny 1947 Packard Super Clipper he owned.
Jerry Matthews, 85, of Arnold captured third place and $50 with a photo of his immaculate 1931 Ford Model A Special Coupe in its accustomed place in his garage.
This is the final Leader Senior Expo for the year. The first Senior Expo of 2024 will be held in De Soto in April.
For more information about the expo, call the Leader at 636-931-7560.