There is something new for this year's annual McDonald County Business Expo.
There is also something new for this year's annual McDonald County Health Fair.
The two formerly separate events on separate days have now been combined into a single event on the same day.
The 2015 McDonald County Business Expo and Health Fair will be held on Saturday, March 28, at McDonald County High School. The business expo will start at 8 a.m. and go until 2 p.m. The health fair will be from 8 a.m. until noon.
Business Expo
The business expo is hosted by the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce. Bob Williams, Hometown Bank, is the chairman for the expo.
"We have a lot more vendors than we had last year," Williams said. "I think it is awesome to combine the two events. It has created such a demand for booths. It will be a great opportunity for the businesses to showcase what they have to offer and a great opportunity for the public to see what is available here locally."
Williams said there are nearly 70 vendors, including non-profit organizations, scheduled to attend. In addition, there will be some special guests.
"The Easter Bunny, SpongeBob SquarePants and a little princess will be roaming around from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.," Williams said. "There will be an area set aside for photos, but you have to bring your own camera."
Something else new for the expo is there will be no admission fee this year.
"Admission is free this year and we will still be having door prizes throughout the day," Williams said. "A lot of the vendors will also have things they are giving away."
Back this year is Galaxsea Cruises and Tours. They will be offering a free trip to Las Vegas (3 or 4 nights with airfare included). You must be 21 or over to enter the drawing for the free trip.
See the business expo special section in today's paper to find out what businesses are attending.
Health Fair
Hosted by the Golden LivingCenter - McDonald County, the health fair offers residents an economical opportunity for annual health screenings.
The screenings are done by the Freeman Screen Team. A basic individual assessment that includes blood pressure/pulse, lipid panel/blood cholesterol, glucose, weight and body fat composition and bone density/osteoporosis screening is just $10.
A complete health profile is comprised of two thyroid screenings, a basic metabolic panel, a complete blood count and liver functions is $130. The individual assessment is also included.
Items on the metabolic panel are also available individually, as are several other screenings. A sampling of those include take-home colorectal cancer kits, PSA, A1C (three-month glucose average), iron level, gout, cardio reactive protein, homocystine level, Vitamin D and B levels, rheumatoid factor and an arthritis panel that includes rheumatoid factor, sedimentation rate and uric acid (gout) is also offered.
"It's exciting to combine the two events," said Susan Woods, executive director of the Golden LivingCenter. "We hope to have a big turnout. The Screen Team offers some great prices."
Woods reminded anyone who is planning to have screenings done, not to eat 8-10 hours prior. She said after the screenings are done, the Golden LivingCenter will provide snacks at the concession stand.
Community on 03/26/2015