Long-awaited Senior Expo returns to the Hub City

JACKSON, Tenn. — After a few years of waiting, one event finally returned to the Hub City.

The Senior Expo had the Carl Perkin’s Civics Center packed this morning, May 23.

Many people from around West Tennessee were excited to finally come back together for this event.

It only happens every other year, and because of Covid, they have not been able to get together over the past few years.

“This is the first expo we’ve had in a few years and it just brings all of our seniors together to socialize, to visit our vendors, and just have a day out and enjoy themselves,” said Joe Barker, director for Southwest Tennessee Development District.

Seniors enjoyed themselves with an afternoon full of activities with an “out of this world” theme. Barker talked about everything the expo had to offer.

“Well, they are going to visit the vendors. All the vendors have giveaways. We serve lunch, we’ve got a talent show, we’ve got giveaways. We’ve got everything a senior could want,” said Barker.

The event is in observation of Older Americans Month.

Barker says that it is always good to have everyone come together and have a day where they can enjoy themselves for a few hours in a community setting.

“Cause I think lots of times seniors think they’re the forgotten group. There’s so much focus on things we do for our young people, which is necessary. But bringing these seniors together and knowing that they are the folks that have built the foundation of West Tennessee. It’s just an opportunity to thank them and recognize them,” said Barker.

Barker also talked about how this is one of their biggest and most fun events of the year for the Southwest Tennessee Development District.

If you missed out on this year’s Senior Expo, Barker says the best thing to do is stay informed with your local senior center to get information on the next one.

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