Boomer and Senior Expo Brings the Community Together

The Marion community will celebrate senior citizens at the upcoming Boomer and Senior Expo on Friday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kingston Residence of Marion at 464 James Way. This is the 12^th year that the Marion community has come together to offer food, fellowship and fun to hundreds of seniors from Marion and surrounding counties.

Ceremony to Honor Veterans

An honor guard takes part in a gun salute. — Photo credit: Challenge Productions

“Many people look forward to this annual event. This year we will honor hometown heroes with a special ceremony at noon,” said Bob Goyer, community relations director of Kingston.

The ceremony will include salute and taps by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem and “God Bless America.”

Seniors attend a past expo. — Photo credit: Challenge Productions

Dr. Mark Davis, Marion County commissioner, will be the featured speaker. Radio stations WBCO/WQEL, CrawfordCountyNow.com, MarionCountyNow.com, and WWGH will be doing live radio remotes. The Marion County chapter of the American Red Cross will help with parking and transporting seniors.

Senior Celebrities

Mary Ellen is a white woman with short, white hair, a smile, earings, a black shirt and mint green suitcoat. — Mary Ellen Withrow, 40th U.S. Treasurer of the United States

Special appearances will include Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles. Senior celebrities include former U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow; restauranteur George Kasotis; radio and TV reporter and educator Bob Bender; radio host Jeff Ruth and coach and educator Fran Voll.

“The Boomer & Senior Expo is always a great time for seniors. There is important information about services and products for seniors along with having fun, food and fellowship,” said Cassie Gregory, director of the Marion County Council on Aging.

Demonstrations

Mimi’s Party Zone & Balloonz is demonstrating balloon twisting. Artist Jackie Pennington will provide a painting demonstration.

Free Lunches, Ice Cream and Giveaways

Seniors visit vendors and carry grocery bags with items from giveawways — Photo credit: Challenge Productions

Seniors can enjoy a free lunch from the Foundations Health Solution until supplies run out. Riverside Ice Cream donated treats for an ice cream social. More than 60 vendors will take part, including the Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck from the Der Dutchman. Seniors can enter to win door prizes from vendors and giveaways.

“If you are a boomer or senior or know one who would enjoy a day out, then you are invited,” Goyer said.

“Seniors are the backbone of our community. It’s great to have a day to celebrate and pamper them. We hope it brings people from Marion County and the surrounding area to enjoy the fun!” said Bev Ford, executive director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Sponsors Make Expo Possible

The annual event would not be possible with generous sponsorships from OhioHealth, Clear Captions, CenterWell Home Health, Capital City Hospice, the American Red Cross, Gentiva, Foundations Health Solutions, Center Street Community Health Center, and the Stump Agency.

Kingston Residence of Marion hosts this annual event as a way to give back to the community and serve seniors.

For more info:

Follow the Senior Expo Facebook event.

MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.

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