(Long Island, NY) The Over 50 Fair once again had a successful run on September 27 at the Melville Marriott. The Fair had 90 exhibitors and 30 classes, some taught by local and national celebrities, covering a variety of disciplines, all designed to help those over age 50 live their lives to the fullest.
The annual event is the largest “over 50” expo on Long Island, and it once again had new features for its attendees.
“Every year, our single guests request a way to meet other singles. This year, 7 in Heaven Singles Events facilitated this interaction in our new Singles Lounge, which had a seating area and opportunities to meet other singles,” explained East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, the Over 50 Fair director.
North Shore LIJ’s booth. Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
Chef Jonathan of Fox TV’s hit show MasterChefSeason 6 and Chef AJ of Fox TV’s MasterChef Junior Season 3 did cooking demonstrations as well as “meet and greets.”
Chef AJ and Chef Jonathan. Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
Several beauty queens were in attendance, including the newly crowned Ms. New York Senior America 2015, CJ Marie.
Lovely beauty queens who met and greeted:Marleen Schuss (Director, Ms. New York Senior America), Elisabeth Zamarelli (Elite New York American Beauty 2015), Jane Rubinstein (Ms. New York Senior America 2014), CJ Marie (Ms. New York Senior America 2015), and Virginia Werner (Ms. New York Senior America 2013). Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
Edith Jason, age 80, one of the oldest yoga teachers on Long Island, taught a yoga class. Comedians Mark Brier and Howard Newman entertained at separate performances.
Yoga class lead by Edith Jason. Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
In addition, there were a group psychic reading, reiki class, iPad tips, saving for retirement, travel, and health topics such as sleep apnea, cardiology, and podiatry.
Mark Brier’s comedy show. Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
This event has been building a loyal following among the Boomer Generation during the six years of its existence due to its consistent presentation of a variety of classes and products they find appealing. The free opportunities this year include valet parking, waxing, and health screenings such as video otoscope and blood pressure screenings.
Over 50 Fair staff serving food to attendees. Photo Credit: Barbara Kaplan.
Sheila Murphy of Babylon summed up the event. “Much needed info. Can’t wait for the next event. I will spread the world. Excellent event!”
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy,raised over $400 and 117 pounds of food.
The Over 50 Fair was proudly sponsored by Country Foot Care, Long Island Family Caregiver Coalition, and LongIsland.com.
Barbara’s other large event for children and their families, the All Kids Fair, will return on April 10 to the Melville Marriott. Details can be found at www.AllKidsFair.com.The Over 50 Fair will celebrate its seventh consecutive year in 2016. Program details and opportunities for exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking, and advertising will be announced as soon as they are available.
When she is not working on large events such as the Over 50 Fair, Barbara is busy with smaller expos at Smith Haven Mall and Walt Whitman Shops, including upcoming health fairs in October. For more information, visit www.specialtyconnections.com. Barbara Kaplan can be reached at 516-621-1446.
