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NEWS RELEASE

June 30, 2009

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New Green Fair for Environmentally Friendly Exhibitors

Vendors Wanted for Howard County’s 50+EXPO

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s 50+EXPO returns for its 11th consecutive year and is calling all vendors and exhibitors to participate in the premiere annual event for the 50-and-over population, their families, caregivers and friends. The 2009 50+EXPO will be held on Friday, October 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road in Columbia.

Last year’s 50+EXPO drew a crowd of more than 6,000 attendees and featured more than 140 commercial and non-profit vendors of services and products. New this year, the 50+EXPO will include a “Living Green” Fair, with a limited amount of spaces available for vendors of environmentally friendly products and services. In addition, the 2009 event boasts a health fair, health screenings, a speaker series, workshops, demonstrations, a benefit auction, live entertainment and food. The Capitol Steps will headline the entertainment again this year, with shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Rouse Theatre.

The 50+EXPO offers a great marketing opportunity for vendors to reach Howard County’s older adults -- the fourth-fastest-growing senior population in the State of Maryland. Two- thirds of Howard County’s 60+ population report annual incomes of more than $30,000. Howard County seniors are also well educated. More than 95% of the seniors hold a high school diploma; and in the age range of 60 to 64, 60% hold a college degree.

Fees for vendors vary and are based on exhibitor category and exhibit location. Vendor packets and information on sponsorship opportunities are available on the Office on Aging’s website, www.howardcountyaging.org, by clicking on the 50+EXPO logo. To have a packet mailed to you, e-mail dtugwell@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-5949. For more information, please contact Laurie Diener, Event Coordinator, at 410-313-7467.