MarionMade!: Friday's Boomer and Senior Expo mixes fun and information and free lunch, too

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The Marion community will celebrate senior citizens at the Boomer and Senior Expo 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at Kingston Residence of Marion, 464 James Way.

This is the 12th year the Marion community has come together to offer food, fellowship and fun to hundreds of seniors from Marion and surrounding counties.

“Many people look forward to this annual event. This year we will honor hometown heroes with a special ceremony at noon,” said Bob Goyer, community relations director for Kingston.

The 12th annual Boomer and Senior Expo will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at Kingston Residence of Marion.
The 12th annual Boomer and Senior Expo will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at Kingston Residence of Marion.

The ceremony will include salute and taps by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem and "God Bless America."

Celebrity speakers and appearances, including Mary Ellen Withrow

Dr. Mark Davis, Marion County commissioner, will be the speaker. WBCO/WQEL, CrawfordCountyNow.com MarionCountyNow.com and WWGH will have live radio remotes. The Marion County Chapter of the American Red Cross will help with parking and transporting seniors.

Special appearances will include Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles. Senior celebrities include former U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow, restauranteur George Kasotis, former radio and TV reporter and educator Bob Bender, radio host Jeff Ruth, former coach and educator Fran Voll and Ted Williams, a guest of Scott Spears who will broadcast from the event.

The Marion County Veterans Honor Guard will take part in the noon ceremony Friday to honor hometown heroes with a gun salute and performance of taps.
The Marion County Veterans Honor Guard will take part in the noon ceremony Friday to honor hometown heroes with a gun salute and performance of taps.

"The Boomer & Senior Expo is always a great time for seniors. There is important information about services and products for seniors along with having fun, food and fellowship,” said Cassie Gregory, director of the Marion County Council on Aging.

Mimi's Party Zone & Balloonz is demonstrating balloon twisting. Artist Jackie Pennington will provide a painting demonstration.

Free lunch, vendors and Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck

Seniors can enjoy a free lunch from the Foundations Health Solution until supplies run out. Riverside Ice Cream donated treats for an ice cream social. More than 60 vendors will take part, including the Rolling Dutchman Donut Truck from the Der Dutchman. Seniors can enter to win door prizes from vendors and giveaways.

The theme for the Boomer and Senior Expo is Honoring Hometown Heroes and will include a special ceremony at noon.
The theme for the Boomer and Senior Expo is Honoring Hometown Heroes and will include a special ceremony at noon.

“If you are a boomer or senior or know one who would enjoy a day out, then you are invited,” Goyer said.

“Seniors are the backbone of our community. It’s great to have a day to celebrate and pamper them. We hope it brings people from Marion County and the surrounding area to enjoy the fun!” said Bev Ford, executive director of the Marion Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The annual event would not be possible with sponsorships from OhioHealth, Clear Captions, CenterWell Home Health, Capital City Hospice, the American Red Cross, Gentiva, Foundations Health Solutions, Center Street Community Health Center and the Stump Agency.

Kingston Residence of Marion hosts the annual event as a way to give back to the community and serve seniors.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Boomer and Senior Expo to celebrate Marion senior citizens

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