Holiday Senior Vendor Fair returns to Orrville YMCA on Dec. 17

On Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Orrville YMCA will host a free Holiday Senior Vendor Fair at its location at 1801 Smucker Road.

“It is a fun afternoon for (anyone 55 and older) to come get some great information on local businesses and organizations, build relationships with their reps and other seniors, and have a good time,” said Lindsey Baumgartner, director of the Orrville Y. “It takes the place of our normal monthly lunch and learns.”

Registration is required and can be made online at www.ymcawayne.org/seniors, by calling the front desk at 330-683-2153 or by emailing Baumgartner at lindseyb@ymcawayne.org. While there is no firm registration deadline, it’s recommended to register before Dec. 3. If online registration indicates the event is full, call as availability will be added.

The fair has been an annual event for over 10 years. It began when representatives from the Y, OrrVilla and Mason Law Office saw a need for more programming for seniors.

“They began the monthly lunch and learns,” Baumgartner said, “and then, a few years later, decided to make the December one the Holiday Vendor Fair.”

Approximately 30 vendors will share information, giveaways and raffles with attendees. The vendors include an array of nonprofit organizations, health care groups, assisted living facilities and many more local businesses. There is no pressure to purchase anything at the fair.

“It isn’t a sales event," Baumgartner said. "It’s more like a community resource fair designed just for older adults. There’s no pressure to buy anything at all. Instead, local organizations and service providers will be there to share helpful information, answer questions, and offer free giveaways and raffle prizes.”

Vendors often offer goodies like pens, hand sanitizer, candy and more. Each vendor is required to bring a raffle basket valued at $25. There also may be small games or hands-on activities at the various tables.

The event includes a free warm lunch made by Orrville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. There will be different wrap options and sides.

“A hot drink bar will have hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and some fun toppings and additives for (attendees) to mix and make their own drink,” Baumgartner said.

Volunteers are still needed for the fair to welcome and check people in. And the Y is always seeking volunteers. Individuals may become regular volunteers, or there are one-time events such as the upcoming Thanksgiving and holiday dinners and the Turkey Trot 5k. Anyone interested should reach out to Baumgartner via phone or email.

OrrVilla, more specifically Donna Neff, helps coordinate the holiday fair and bring in organizations. The Wayne County Care Center sponsors the lunch. Find the YMCA of Wayne County on social media.

The Orrville Area United Way funds senior programs like the Holiday Vendor Fair, monthly lunch and learns and more, so these events can be provided for free. This support helps enable the Y to continue providing quality programs for the area’s senior community. The variety of senior classes, events and activities provides something for everyone.

There are two free upcoming community holiday meals, open to any age, with no registration or sign-up required.

“Our Thanksgiving dinner is free to the community on Nov. 20 and has been going on for many years now,” Baumgartner said. "It will be held at Wooster United Methodist Church. Sit-down meals will be served beginning at 4:30 p.m., with to-go options available beginning at 5:30 p.m. (The meal includes) turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, gravy, rolls, dessert and more."

The December holiday community meal is a more recent addition in the past few years. It will take place Dec. 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orrville with 5:30 p.m. sit-down and 6:30 p.m. to-go meals.

“It’s very similar to the Thanksgiving dinner for food,” Baumgartner said, “but we typically do ham and applesauce.”

Baumgartner said they typically ask for food donations and sponsors to help offset the expenses.

"Everyone involved is a volunteer," she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or contributing to the meals is invited to email Angie Mullen at angiem@ymcawayne.org for Thanksgiving and Baumgartner at lindseyb@ymcawayne.org for the December meal.

For those age 55 and over, Baumgartner hopes everyone will consider attending.

“The Holiday Senior Vendor Fair is such a fun and relaxed way to connect with others, enjoy a free meal and learn about what’s available for seniors in our community,” Baumgartner said. “There’s no cost, no pressure — just good company, good food and good information. We hope everyone 55 and older will join us.”