Annual 50+ Expo, June 11 to 12
Seniors will learn about new and exciting programs and services available to them and have the chance to display their talents during the 15th annual 50+ Expo.
The 50+ Expo will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12 at the Exhibition Grounds, Halifax. Tickets are $5 per day and can only be purchased at the door. The event is a project of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat and is leading up to Seniors' Week which takes place June 13-19.
Shuttle service will be available to and from the expo. Arrival and departure information is available on the 50+ Expo website at www.50plusexpo.ns.ca or by calling 902-444-7494.
"The government of Nova Scotia has made the well-being of older adults a priority and recognizes their contributions to the province," said Angus MacIsaac, chair of the Senior Citizens' Secretariat. "The 50+ Expo is an excellent opportunity for older adults to learn about programs and services available to them so that they can make informed decisions."
One hundred booths will offer current information about hobbies, volunteer opportunities, travel, health and wellness and other educational information. The main stage will host a variety of speakers, musicians and entertainers. Some of the entertainment will include the Novelty Salesmen and the Travlyn Music Band and Memories of a Don Messer Jubilee featuring the Heritage Allstar Band.
People attending the expo will enjoy grocer Pete Luckett's humour and knowledge of produce. Professional flower arranger, Neville MacKay will be on had to dazzle everyone with his advice and beautiful flowers.
"As a group, seniors are discerning consumers and want to be aware of what is in the market place. Events like the 50+ Expo give them the opportunity to see what products and services are out there," said Valerie White, executive director of the secretariat.
Six seniors will be presented with Remarkable Seniors Awards by Senator John Buchanan. The awards are presented in three categories: community service, leadership and volunteerism.
The award recipients are:
- Doris Evans, Cherry Brook, Halifax Regional Municipality,
Volunteerism - Wai Yin Lau, Dartmouth, Halifax Regional Municipality,
Community Service - Todd LaFontaine, Dartmouth East, Halifax Regional
Municipality, Volunteerism - Edith Comeau-Tufts, Saulnierville, Digby Co., Leadership
- Betty Pettipas, Havre Boucher, Antigonish Co., Leadership
- Aline d'Entremont, Lower West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co., Community
Service.
Back for a second year is the Amateur 50+ Star Search contest. Seniors will have a chance to compete for prizes and recognition in four different categories. Sponsored by Scotiabank's ABCs of Fraud, there is a $2,500 grand prize.
The expo is a non-profit event planned and organized by a volunteer committee of seniors. The event is sponsored by The Chronicle Herald, Doctors Nova Scotia, formerly the Medical Society of Nova Scotia, Rx&D, an association representing research-based pharmaceutical companies in Canada, and Tour Tech East, a privately owned audio rental, installation and distribution company.
The Senior Citizens' Secretariat is a government agency that acts as a liaison between seniors, organizations and government.
For more information about the 50+ Expo, contact the secretariat toll free at 1-800-670-0065 or see the 50+ Expo website at www.50plusexpo.ns.ca .