BEDFORD – The 2022 Senior Fair presented by Anthem Medicare, and hosted by 1340 WBIW, 105.5 WQRK, 102.5 LiteFM, saw community members come together to meet with vendors on-site to learn about the services available to them locally.
The seniors were anxious to learn more about what some of the local services were available to them in and around Lawrence County. And having the ability to have over 40 different vendors on-site, truly made the event that much better.
“It’s exciting to say that this event was sold out for vendor space again this year. It’s refreshing to know that our local businesses have as much passion for our community seniors as we do. Our vendors place a lot of thought and hard work into their booths which lends a new way to educate the attendees on the provisions and services that are within their reach here in our listening communities,” said Holly Davis, President of Ad-Venture Media and Mitchell Community Broadcasting (WBIW, WQRK, WPHZ).
Several vendors have attended over the years including Day & Carter Mortuary who is on hand to provide information on services available to the attendees.
“Many like to come and ask questions in a more comfortable setting other than a funeral home like at this event. We have the opportunity to talk with them about pre-planning funeral arraignments or using our online portal. This event helps us to connect with the community on another level,” said David Pace Day & Carter Mortuary.
Other vendors who have been at the event previously included Advanced Audiology and Hearing Care, who was able to share the importance of knowing the options for better hearing.
“Getting the word out about what we do at Advanced Audiology is what events like this are really about. We provide audiology services, but we can also diagnose hearing loss and get you back to hearing better at a lower cost, instead of overselling hearing aides that you might not even need. We want people to know their benefits before going somewhere else and run the risk of being overcharged,” Laura Baker with Advanced Audiology said.
Eye screenings with Bedford Lions Club 
Vertical Home Health providing blood pressure checks 
Crowder’s Pharmacy meeting with attendees
Health and wellness vendors such as Vertical Home Health were on-site and provided blood pressure checks for free to those who wanted to, as well as the Bedford Lions Club performed Vision Screenings during the event.
With many events happening throughout the year in Lawrence County, having the ability to offer an event like this to senior citizens would have to be at the top of the list.
“Out of all of our events that we host, the Senior Fair is my favorite. It’s fun to see the attendees registering for giveaways, taking part in the free health screenings, and playing bingo,” Davis said. “We all know you have to have munchies when you play bingo! I’d like to thank Magic Morning Bakery for providing the doughnuts and cookies for our senior attendees. Magic Morning Bakery has helped put magic into our event for our senior attendees for many years.”
The event offers senior citizens the opportunity to get out of their homes and socialize with their friends who may also be in attendance, or offer those the opportunity to win prizes during bingo. This included Jean Baker of Bedford, who arrived at the event at 7:40 a.m. to ensure she was the first in line.
Volunteers from Altrusa International assisted with Bingo 
Bingo Prizes 
Playing Bingo
“I have come to this event every year for the past three to four years. It is always a great event, with the handouts from each booth and playing bingo to win some more prizes is always fun,” said Jean Church of Bedford.
The event even had two drawings for a chance to win $100 in cash at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with two lucky winners, taking the prize home.
Harold Qualkinbush 
Kathy Perkins
Harold Qualkinbush of Bedford won the first drawing at 10:30 a.m. and Kathy Perkins of Bedford won the $100 during the 12:30 p.m. drawing.
The event could not have happened without a big enough venue to host the large crowd and multiple vendors that are also locally and easily accessible, and Davis knows too well how amazing Sherwood Oaks Christian Church was for offering its services once again.
“Pastor Tim Thompson and his staff are wonderful to work with and we are blessed to be able to host this event in their beautiful venue,” said Davis. “Sherwood Oaks Christian Church of Bedford offers a great location, with easy access to parking, and can accommodate the large senior traffic that we attract each year. I am appreciative of the use of the venue and property.”
WBIW, WQRK and Litefm values our senior citizens and their health and invite them to return to our event again in April 2023.
