Pioneers Day at the 99th annual PGX was a huge success with more than 40 booths on display offering information on elder volunteer opportunities, social outreach and groups.
"There were lots of people around and I think it was a good day," said Lola Dawn Fennell, manager of the Prince George Council of Seniors (PGCOS), who organized the event.
"It was a nice variety of things to see... and from our end we thought it was great and we've received a couple very positive e-mails from exhibitors saying that they enjoyed the fair."
Several senior's societies were in attendance, including the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Center Society, the Elders Community Recreation Association, and Elders Rock.
In past years, Pioneer days was a bigger event but even in the new scaled-down version it was still packed with people who were interested in learning what Prince George has to offer its biggest demographic.
Some of the new exhibitors this year were, the Simon Fraser Lodge Family Council and Integris Credit Union.
Integris was there to showcase their financial planners, "given that 45 per cent of the population are baby boomers and seniors, our planners are in a great position to provide advice," said Thomas Baird, manager of Integris Financial Planning.
The Canadian Red Cross had a presence at the fair, they booth was remind seniors of all the different aid that Red Cross delivers.
Including the rental (at no charge), for wheelchairs and walkers, for people who are recovering from an injury or surgery.
"It's interesting with the general public they know about the society through have they've used it... I think one of the things that we've found when we've had a booth at the exhibition that it's a really well attended event and that people are really enthusiastic about learning more about the organization," Becky Row, regional manager, Canadian Red Cross.
Northern Health's mental health and addiction services provided information on mental illness and were educating people on their elderly services program. The programs include seniors substance abuse, life skills program, supportive housing and adult protection.
Volunteer Prince George was also out in force, showing off the extensive local listings of businesses and agencies that rely on volunteer hours.
Jo Nore of Volunteer Prince George said that there are a lot of volunteers in Prince George that are considered seniors, however as they get older the numbers are going down so the push for volunteers is always necessary.
Historically, more than 2,000 seniors come through the PGX gates on Senior's Day.
For more information on all of the seniors programing and events, visit the PGCOS at www.pgcos.ca or call 250-564-5888.
