More than 200 community members filled the commons area at Hastings High School last Wednesday evening as the annual Senior Resource Expo continued its steady growth, bringing together dozens of organizations, businesses and service providers focused on helping older adults remain active, informed and independent.
The event, held May 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., featured a record 68 vendors offering information on topics ranging from health and wellness to financial planning, home care services, legal guidance and recreational opportunities for seniors. Organizers said the turnout and participation reflected a growing need for resources aimed at aging adults and their families.
Sponsored by Hastings Community Education, the Hastings Senior Center, Benedictine Living Community-Regina, Oak Ridge Assisted Living and Hastings Senior Health & Living, the expo has become a familiar annual event for many local residents. What began years ago as a smaller gathering has steadily expanded into one of the community’s larger informational events focused on senior living.
Community Education Adult Enrichment Coordinator Rob Halberg said one of the biggest strengths of the expo is the opportunity it gives families to gather information before a crisis occurs.
“It really is a unique opportunity for seniors and their families to have a captive audience with so many vendors and businesses all under one roof,” Halberg said.
“Oftentimes we react to a change with a loved one and there are so many questions that we just don’t know the answers to. The Expo gives families a chance to be proactive in terms of getting information and making plans for the future ahead of time.”
Attendees spent the evening moving between booths staffed by healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, community groups and local businesses. Representatives answered questions about in-home care, hospice options, insurance planning, senior housing, hearing services and mobility support, while other groups focused on keeping older adults socially engaged through recreation, arts and volunteer opportunities.
Organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Dakota County social service agencies and Minnesota State Services for the Blind were among those offering educational resources. Health-related vendors included hospice providers, audiology specialists, therapy services and home healthcare organizations. Community-based groups such as the Hastings Pickleball Association, Hastings Concert Association, Hastings Lions Club and Cycling Without Age also participated, highlighting opportunities for seniors to remain active and connected.
Several local businesses and financial service providers also attended, helping visitors navigate long-term planning questions that often accompany aging. Legal advisors, insurance agencies, real estate professionals and senior moving specialists spent the evening speaking with residents and caregivers about preparing for future transitions.
The expo also emphasized the idea that planning for aging is not limited to senior citizens themselves. Organizers noted that adult children, caregivers and even younger residents can benefit from learning about services before they are urgently needed.
That message was also reflected in comments shared before the event. Brenda Irvin of the Hastings Concert Association said the expo highlights the strength of the local community and the number of resources available to residents.
“I think we sometimes take for granted that we live in such a vibrant community, and I love the Expo, because every year I learn something new,” Irvin said.
Laura Erickson of Benedictine Living Community-Regina also emphasized the value of connecting families with reliable information and local support systems.
“We are proud to support events like the Hastings Senior Expo that connect seniors and their families with trusted local resources and help them feel more confident planning for the future,” Erickson said.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was upbeat and conversational, with many attendees lingering to ask questions, collect information and reconnect with familiar organizations. Vendors said the event’s steady growth mirrors increasing interest from families seeking guidance as loved ones age.
With record participation from both vendors and attendees this year, organizers said the Senior Resource Expo continues to evolve into more than just an informational fair. For many residents, it has become a yearly opportunity to build connections, discover local services and better prepare for the future.
The Senior Resource Expo was sponsored by Hastings Community Education, the Hastings Senior Center, Benedictine Living Community-Regina, Oak Ridge Assisted Living and Hastings Senior Health & Living. Organizers said the continued support from local organizations and businesses has helped the event expand each year and continue serving seniors, caregivers and families throughout the Hastings area.
Participating vendors included:
Edward Jones – Kaili Perron
Haggerty Insurance Group
Burkhardt & Kreisler, LLC
FMS Insurance Advisors
Mandy Bremer – Country Financial
DARTS
MN Aging Pathways
Dementia Friends
Hastings Family Service
Landmark Tours
Hastings Journal
Hastings Pickleball Association
Hastings Concert Association
Hastings Lions Club
Hastings Rivertown Fishing & Boating
Cycling Without Age
Dakota County Library
Dakota County – Community Living Services
Dakota County – Social Services
Dakota County Community Development Agency
Hastings Arts Center
Ted Blank Travel Agency
MN State Services for the Blind
Edina Realty – Christy Lundby Hill
InMotion Realty – Michelle Tjomsland
A Smooth Move
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel
River Valley Pet Cremation Society
fiNEST Home Services
Amada Senior Care
Synergy Home Care
Choice Connections
InHome Senior Care
Right at Home
Home Instead
Minnesota Hospice
St. Croix Hospice
Visiting Angels
Brighton Hospice
Allina Hospice
Moments Hospice
Pro-Rehab Therapy
Home Health Care Inc.
Homewatch Caregivers
Journey Audiology
Corner Home Medical
Rivertown Eye Clinic
Summit Orthopedics
YMCA
CapTel
Spiral Yoga
CaptionCall
The Confluence Hotel
Alzheimer’s Association
Hastings Parks & Recreation
Hastings Fire Department
Hastings Police Department
Winnow & Spruce Organizing
KindNest
Healing Touch by Linda
Caring Transitions
Hearing Life