The Over 50 Fair, in its 15th year, returns to the Hilton Long Island/Huntington, 598 Broadhollow Road, Melville on Sunday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Each year, Baby Boomers, seniors, and those a bit younger meet with over 80 exhibitors and attend over 25 classes geared toward them. The Over 50 Fair annually entertains and educates hundreds of Long Islanders.
The classes are always hugely popular at the event, and each year there is tremendous variety. This year’s classes include “Zumba,” presented by Laura O’Shea of the YMCA of Long Island; “Google: More Than a Search Engine,” presented by Rich Levitan of Family Service League, SeniorNet LI; “How to Improve Your Dating and Sex Life After 50” with Maureen Tara Nelson; and Astrology – What is in Your Stars?” presented by Terry Lauria-Whalen of Your Enchanted Tree. Additional classes will include talks on clutter control, Medicare, ghost hunting, and two fitness and self-defense classes. The schedule of all classes can be found at www.Over50Fair.com/class-list.
Businesses and non-profits promote local products and services, including health and wellness, education, travel, and financial services, plus some less expected, such as several book authors and psychics.
Over 50 Fair is the brainchild of East Hills resident Barbara Kaplan, who also coordinates the very successful All Kids Fair each April. She said the Over 50 Fair is “Overflowing with Opportunities for Age 50+.” She emphasized that “this is NOT a typical ‘senior fair.’ It is an opportunity for people to learn, interact, and have fun. Our guests can meet with many experts in their fields all in one place,” she added.
Some of this year’s “draws” will be “arts and crafts for adults” with One River School of Art + Design, a singles lounge, compliments of MTN Matchmaking, and a live acoustic music showcase, presented by Carrie Creative Concepts.
Six acoustic musicians will be performing a variety of types of music. James Erxleben of North American Pandas who will be playing various acoustic rock and popular music favorites from the The Beatles to Kurt Cobain. Vickie and the Acoustic Gents will be playing soulful vocal and high energy music from the 70’s through today’s artists, including great duets.
Free hearing screenings will be offered by Anywhere Audiology. There will be free blood pressure checks, energy wellness scans, and reiki healings available.
This event has built a loyal following due to its consistent presentation of various classes, products, and services they find appealing.
Feedback from the attendees and exhibitors after the 2023 event was very positive. Exhibitor Joe Satriano of the Susan Satriano Foundation shared that the Over 50 Fair “runs smoothly because of her [Barbara Kaplan’s] organizational skills, her kind demeanor, and her willingness to assure that those who attend have a great experience.”
The Over 50 Fair was recently voted 2024’s Best of Nassau County in the Best Annual Event/Festival – Live or Virtual category for the 10th consecutive year.
The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), a local non-profit that helps Long Island’s needy, will be in attendance collecting non-perishable food and funds. Those who donate will receive raffle tickets to win terrific donated prizes.
Tickets are $5 in advance at www.Over50Fair.com, which includes all classes, exhibits, singles lounge, music performances, health screenings, arts & crafts, and more. Those who purchase tickets online will receive a raffle ticket at the event for a special door prize raffle. Tickets are also available at the door for $7, and it is free for Veterans to attend with ID.
This year’s event sponsors are Acupuncture Wellness Services, Men on the Move, Optum Medical Care, Wellcare, Healthfirst, AARP Long Island, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, Jake’s 58, Schneps Long Island, The Garden City News, Herald Community Newspapers,102.3 WBAB/106.1 BLI and 516Ads.com/631Ads.com.
For more information about this and future events, visit www.Over50Fair.comor call 516-621-1446.
