Sunflower Fair this September

Older Kansans and people who plan to celebrate many more happy birthdays are invited to the 2023 Sunflower Fair on Tuesday, September 19 from 8 am-4 pm at Salina’s Tony’s Pizza Events Center.

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) with major support from the Salina Regional Health Foundation puts on the annual all-day premier health and wellness event. Expert speakers and seminars geared for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and caregivers,a sit-down lunch, exhibits, prizes, music, fun and more are part of the event. Registration costs $25 before Wednesday, September 11, 2023. Registration is $30 after that date.

To register, call the NC-FH AAA at 800-432-2703 or go to the Agency's website at www.ncfhaaa.com. Registrations may also be mailed to the Area Agency on Aging at 401 Houston St., Manhattan, KS 66502 and must be postmarked by September 11 to get the $25 rate.

“There is no event like the Sunflower Fair--a fun day filled with good times, good friends and trustworthy and practical information for Kansans of all ages” said Julie Govert Walter, NC-FH AAA Executive Director. ‘“Let’s Keep Growing!”’ is this year’s theme— it’s a reminder to Kansans of all ages that the best part of getting older is to keep learning and grow with the changes.”

More than 600 people are expected at this year’s event.

Seminars will happen in the morning and afternoon. Topics include “What to know to keep away from fraudsters and scammers, “cyber security”, updates on dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and also Medicare and Medicare Advantage issues, a live cooking demonstration by Chef C J, “downsizing your life” and sessions with elder and disability law attorneys providing practical information on legal issues and more.

The Salina Regional Health Foundation will host a session on Cancer Prevention with Daniel Craig and team members from the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. The “information extravaganza” also highlights services available to older Kansans and caregivers and honors “Sensational Sunflowers,” volunteers selected by counties in the NC-FH AAA region for their service to others.

Exhibitors will provide nutrition and health screenings, COVID-19 and flu vaccines, hearing tests, blood pressure checks and other important health checks.

This year’s Sunflower Fair is paired with the first-ever “Sunflower Seniors Got Talent!” happening on Monday, September 18. Talented older Kansans will take the stage of Salina’s Stiefel Theatre from 7 pm-9 pm.  Doors open at 6 pm.

The show’s proceeds support Friendship Meals at 38 locations, the Agency’s Answers for Older Kansans initiatives, Medicare benefits counseling and in-home care services for older Kansans, people living with disabilities and caregivers in the Kansas heartland.

Tickets are available online at www.stiefeltheatre.org or at the Stiefel Theatre’s box office, Monday through Friday, noon-5 pm at 151 S. Santa Fe, Salina, KS.

The Agency is accepting sponsors for these events and Sunflower Fair workshops.  Also, it is seeking donations for door prizes and the Silent Auction. Space for exhibitors is still available, but is limited. Those interested should call 800-432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com.