About 400 people turned out for a morning of fun and learning at the De Soto Senior Expo on April 3.
The expo, held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in De Soto, was the first of six that Leader Publications will hold this year for people 50 years and older.
About 30 vendors were on hand for the De Soto expo to talk about a variety of goods and services of interest to seniors. Many of the vendors offered drawings for prizes.
Visitors to the De Soto Senior Expo on April 3 meet with about 30 vendors, participating in prize drawings and learning about local services and businesses.
“It was a great senior expo,” said Katelyn Mary Skaggs, digital marketing manager for Leader Publications. “We were excited to see all the seniors out and about.”
Jean Boyer of Imperial won the drawing for Leader’s grand prize package – two third-row tickets to Spotlight Theatre’s upcoming performance of “Oklahoma,” along with dinner for two at Taytro’s Bar and Bistro in Festus.
Boyer said she loves going to the senior expo events.
“I love the bingo, the music, all the things they give away and the information,” she said.
Jean Boyer of Imperial was the grand prize winner, getting two tickets to Spotlight Theatre’s performance of “Oklahoma” along with dinner for two at Taytro’s Bar and Bistro in Festus.
Courtney Wisely and Kailynne Brooke of Spotlight Community Theatre were at the expo to present information about this season’s show and how people can get involved in the nonprofit group’s mission to offer Jefferson County residents arts and arts education.
“They talked about all the work they do,” Skaggs said. “Kailynne, who was one of the Dorothys in the ‘Wizard of Oz’ (the Spotlight group put on) last year, performed ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ It was an absolute treat. She’s very talented.”
Don Ficken with the Missouri Eclipse Task Force spoke at the event about the phenomenon, and the St. Louis Astronomical Society handed out eclipse glasses so people could view it safely.
Party Paws Mobile Zoo brought four animals for seniors to look at, touch and hold, if they were brave enough. Featured were Rocky, a Eurasian eagle owl; Cricket, a barn owl; Godiva, an IMG redtail boa; and Bruno Sumatran, an Argentine redtail boa.
Judy Leitterman of De Soto, right, holds a rescued barn owl from the Wildlife Command Center where Robin Potter, left, volunteers.
In addition to vendors and speakers, free doughnuts and coffee were served. Two 30-minute sessions of bingo were held, with several prizes, including restaurant gift cards. As always, the expo event wrapped up with music by J.B. Louis and the Legends band.
Skaggs said she is excited for the next senior expo, which will be the Leader’s first-ever South County Senior Expo, to be held next month.
The following expos are planned from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays:
■ South County Senior Expo, May 1, at the Kennedy Recreation Center, 6050 Wells Road.
■ Festus Senior Expo, June 26, at the Festus R-6 Performing Arts Center.
■ West Side Senior Expo, July 24, at Northwest High School in Cedar Hill.
■ Arnold Senior Expo, Aug. 21, at the Arnold Eagles Hall.
■ Eureka Senior Expo, Oct. 16., at the Timbers of Eureka.
Businesses and organizations interested in securing a vendor space for any of the events may contact the Leader at 636-931-7560 or ads@leaderpublications.biz.