Bringing communities together for expo
50+ Expo planned for Whitney Pier
As a society dedicated entirely to planning events within the community, it is no surprise that the Friends of Neville Park are at the helm of what has become one of Whitney Pier’s most popular spring events.
This year marks the third year for the 50+ Expo and while it is being advertised as an event for people 50 years and older, organizers feel that there will be a cross section of information that may appeal to people of all ages.
The Expo is scheduled to take place this Saturday, May 6th, at the Whitney Pier Legion. It will feature information on an array of topics that include everything from how to access home care, to planning an estate. There will be exhibits and displays by local realtors, lawyers and government agencies dealing specifically with issues of concern to those 50 years of age and older.
As president of the Friends of Neville Park Society, Alan Nathanson said organizing the Expo has been positive for the community. He said bringing together so many experts in so many different disciplines gives people attending the Expo the opportunity to learn as much as they can about issues of concern to them. “There are thirtythree exhibitors planning to be in attendance this Saturday and they all have something interesting to share. The Expo is a great way to get important information out to a lot of people.”
Simon Gillis is a member of the Whitney Pier Historical Society and will be on hand for this year’s event. He has participated in the event in the past and said the atmosphere that is created at the Expo is one that encourages people to relax and mingle. “Last year it was so nice to see so many people take their time as they took in all of the information that was there for them. The people seemed to be enjoying it so much, there is a lot for them to experience.”
Not all of the information being shared will be of interest to everyone attending, however, those planning to attend are encouraged to take in everything that is offered in the event that they may need specific information on programs and services in the future. “There will be a lot of booths with some really great information and just because you think you don’t need information on a certain subject right now, you may need it sometime down the line,” Gillis explained.
In an attempt to keep things fresh and new, Nathanson said they try to change things up each year. “So often you attend functions in the community and you see the same things time after time. We don’t want people to expect things to be the same year after year at the 50+ Expo. We will be offering new exhibits this year and plan to do that for every Expo. It is important to keep things fresh so we can keep people interested and get them to return next year.”
According to Nathanson, those who have attended the event in the past had wonderful things to say about it. “We are always encouraged by comments made by the people who drop by any of the events we plan not just the 50+ Expo. We love getting feedback from the community because it lets us know people like what we are offering.”
“The Expo is being held in Whitney Pier but we are inviting people from all over the CBRM to take part. We are expecting a great turnout and things to get pretty busy,” noted Nathanson.
As for Gillis, he said he is looking forward to the event, “I would tell anyone who would like to get information on a lot of different things to come to the Expo. It is a great way to spend time in the community and maybe see some people who you didn’t see in a while.”
In addition to accessing information from exhibitors, those in attendance will be provided the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and the chance to win an amazing door prize.
The 50+ Expo will get underway at 9:00am May 6th, and will continue until 1:00pm. Admission is free. Special thanks is extended to the generous sponsors whose support makes it possible for the annual 50+ Expo to continue.