Grandchildren, baby boomers, and mature adults can enjoy family fun and pay tribute to “all things Colorado” as the Colorado Gerontological Society presents the Salute to Seniors, with the theme “Celebrate Colorado!”
The Salute to Seniors has become a staple event over the years for Colorado Baby Boomers and their parents, making its 27th appearance this year at the Colorado Convention Center on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The longest running resource expo of its kind, the Salute to Seniors features approximately 100 exhibits with over 200 aging experts to answer questions for older adults who are making decisions for the future. Admission is free for all and the event promises a day of free-flowing information, fun, and entertainment!
Headline entertainment for the day includes a tribute to the great singer, song-writer John Denver presented by Jim Curry and His Band. The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Tribute artist Jim Curry, whose voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed John Denver’s music at Red Rocks Amphitheater and in sold out shows throughout the country. Curry’s uncanny ability to mirror John Denver’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High”, “Sunshine” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.
Also taking center stage is the Flying W Wranglers with saddlebags full of great songs of the American West, world class yodeling and some country wit. For over 63 years, the group known for their Western Stage Show, performed at the Flying W Ranch located in the scenic foothills of Colorado Springs. The Wranglers are the world’s 2nd oldest cowboy band, with 3 part harmony and songs about the cowboy, entertaining with their own style of western humor. In 2009 the Western Music Assoc. inducted the Flying W Wranglers into the Hall of Fame. The group has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ole Opry.
Named the official dance of the state of Colorado, a square dance demo, performed by the Mountaineers Square Dance Club brings a smile to viewers as the dancers swing their partners ‘round and ‘round. Other dances of Colorado are planned for the event, celebrating many aspects of Colorado’s history
Event attendees can enjoy many exhibits that spotlight Colorado, its’ great beginnings and progress through the century.
In recognition of the large part the aeronautics industry has played in the growth of our state, a NASA exhibit, direct from the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston presents a space suit, moon rocks, space food, an extravehicular space glove and more.
Highlighting the heritage of the state, Active Minds, popular provider of educational programs, offers 2 presentations: “Women of Denver History” and “The History of Colorado”.
Presenting interesting information about the growth of the telecommunications industry in our state is The Telecommunications History Group. From their museum, the group provides information and display vintage to modern telecommunications equipment.
Vintage car enthusiasts can enjoy a classic car display provided by the Forney Transportation Museum. The beautiful, authentic vehicles go back to a day gone by when “taking to the road” had a whole other meaning.
History buffs of all ages can look at artifacts from early Colorado at the Colorado History exhibit. Salute goer’s can stop by to see tools and items crafted and used by generations before us. A salute to the Centennial State includes familiar state symbols.
Adding to the excitement of the day, attendees can enjoy Bingo, door prizes and food samples.
Admission to the Salute to Seniors Expo is FREE, open to the public and offering FREE parking at the Pepsi Center.
The Salute to Seniors is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Four Seasons Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver. Reservations are suggested at senioranswers.org or by calling 1-855-880-4777.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society since 1982. She can be reached at doherty001@att.net.