10th Annual Over 50 Fair was Entertaining and Educational
September 19, 2019; Melville, N.Y. – Based on the smiling faces as well as an attendee survey, the Over 50 Fair entertained and educated a large crowd of Long Island Baby Boomers and seniors. The 10th annual event book place once again at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville this past Sunday, September 15 from 10-4:30.
New additions included a black jack table with “funny money” where attendees played the popular casino game, compliments of New York Entertainment.
Anything But Surf played favorites by The Beatles, Neil Diamond, The Monkees and Frankie Valli. They also played live tropical music including a special acoustic set.
Attendee Danielle Greco, who posted the event on her Meetup called “40+ Happy Hour,” shared “What an amazing event! I met so many people and made so many new friends! Looking forward to next year’s event.”
Each year, attendees enjoy over 80 diverse vendors, 30 exceptional classes, a singles lounge, live music, beauty queens, and more.
The Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the hugely successful All Kids Fair each April. She said that the Over 50 Fair is “’Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.’ Our attendees enjoy the free health screenings and consults, tech support, and much more.” Vendors promoted local products and services including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services.
Some of the most popular of the 30 classes included “Sex and Dating After 50,” taught by Maureen Tara Nelson of MTN Matchmaking; a group medium psychic reading by Terry Cariello; and a Mindfulness Meditation class with Janis Abrams. Additional classes included iPhone, astrology, a dance demonstration, essential oils, comedy show, and collecting memorabilia.
In the Singles Lounge, singles relaxed, mingled, and perhaps met their “special someone.”
Many local beauty queens from the Ms. New York Senior America pageant, including 2019 winner Nancy Witter, were on hand to pose for photos. Mrs. Suffolk County 2018-2019, Bridget Croteau, and Geanna Koulouris, Miss Long Island Teen 2019, were also in attendance.
This event has been building a loyal following among the Boomer Generation due to its consistent presentation of a variety of classes and products they find appealing.
Repeat vendor Slava Vero of SeniorNet at FSL, LI gushed. “The participation was very high. Our seminar was very well received. We saw lots of very interesting booths. I was very pleased.”
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, collected $336 and 101 pounds of food donations.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Dream Vacations, US Mortgage, BluePrint Wealth Alliance, Pinelawn Memorial Park, Orchard Estate of Woodbury, Blank Slate Media, 50 Plus LifeStyles, South Bay’s Neighbor, Sears Home Services, Long Island Business News, and 516Ads.com / 631Ads.com.
For more information on future events, visit www.Over50Fair.com. Barbara Kaplan can be reached at 516-621-1446.