O'Fallon senior advisory committee approves March 11, 2026 senior fair; discusses vendors, outreach and budget rollover

The O'Fallon Senior Resident Advisory Committee voted on Nov. 10 to hold the 2026 senior fair on March 11, approving the date by voice vote.

The committee and staff discussed event logistics, including food and beverage needs, vendor fees and outreach. Chair announced, 'I have the date of March 11.' Members said last year the committee charged '95 and 55 for the for profit and the nonprofit' vendor fees; another member noted alternative fee figures of '100 and a 100 50' as possibilities. Darcy said she will circulate last year’s activity-fair form and a donation-template letter to help solicit donations and coordinate exhibitors.

Committee members emphasized basic event needs — coffee and donuts were specifically mentioned — and flagged layout and entertainment as operational concerns. Members raised past feedback that music volume can interfere with vendor conversations and suggested separating bingo into another room and staggering drawings so attendees who leave early still have fair access.

Finance and outreach details included a staff report that $2,534 from last year’s senior fair will roll into this year’s event. Members discussed mailing outreach to seniors on the North Side (from Mexico Road north), and volunteers offered to hand-deliver one-page flyers to senior facilities if staff prints them.

The committee did not set a different vendor price schedule at the meeting; members agreed to continue planning, solicit donations, firm up entertainment options and finalize outreach timing, with staff assistance and follow-up from Darcy and Kira.

The meeting adjourned after the fair discussion and other business.