Senior Awareness Day moves from Lodi

On Wednesday, San Joaquin County will hold its 39th annual Senior Awareness Day.

The festival, which has been held in Lodi in the past, has relocated this year.

“This is the first year we’re holding it at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds,” said Elise Vigil, Adult Services Division chief.

The move shows just how successful the event — which includes a Wellness Walk, entertainment, games, Senior Art Show, classic cars and more — has become in recent years. Moving to the fairgrounds gives organizers more room to work, Vigil said.

It’s also more accessible. The fairgrounds are paved, and because they’re a stop on

regular RTD bus routes, visitors will be able to travel to the venue more easily. There’s also access to real bathrooms, rather than the portable toilets used in years past.

“We’re going to have two stages this year,” Vigil said.

The stages will offer a spot for people to enjoy classics from Fox & Stevens and John Covert and Crystal Image, Accordion Mike, the Ukulele Strummers of Stockton and more.

Stan Toscano of Galt will be offering Cane Fu demonstrations. The martial art is focused on self-defense using a walking cane, and is designed to be usable by senior citizens.

“It’s really neat because it talks to seniors with canes about how they can use it for self-defense,” Vigil said.

The PCS Choir will also perform. The choir is hosted by Person Centered Services, which helps county residents with developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders.

“It’s really a little bit of everything,” Vigil said.

There will also be a little more than 140 exhibitors, who will spotlight nonprofit organizations, resources such as assisted living homes and adult day care programs, medical equipment and more.

A 11⁄2-mile wellness walk and Bingo will round out the day. Bingo will offer prizes like $5 gift cards and bath and beauty products. Food will be available for purchase.

The day is meant to connect seniors and their caregivers to resources and one another as well as to celebrate the contributions local seniors make in the community.

This year, the focus will be on thanking volunteers who work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Vigil said.

“It’s lots of fun, whether you’re searching for information or just wanted to connect with other people,” she said.