Seniors in Wichita will have a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate at the Vibrant Voices Senior Expo, hosted by The Community Voice, on Fri., Oct. 24, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at the Saint Mark United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 1525 N. Lorraine.
Designed for adults 55 and older, the Expo combines practical resources, interactive workshops, and cultural programming with social and recreational activities. It reflects The Community Voice’s 30-year mission to provide information and opportunities that empower readers and strengthen communities.
A Full Afternoon of Programming
The day begins at 12 p.m. when the Expo floor opens with vendors representing health plans, health care providers, housing and home repair programs, financial and insurance providers, cultural and lifestyle organizations, and more. Visitors can browse displays, talk with representatives, and collect information on products and services tailored to their needs.
At 1 p.m., the first of a series of half-hour workshops begins. New sessions will start every 30 minutes through 3:30 p.m., allowing attendees to choose from workshops that most meet their needs. Workshops will cover a wide range of subjects, from Medicare 2026 updates and estate planning basics to fall prevention, nutrition, caregiving programs, and technology for beginners. A session on artificial intelligence will help demystify this fast-growing trend and explain how seniors might use or encounter it in everyday life.
One timely focus is the Medicare enrollment period, which opens Oct. 15. “The Expo is especially timed to coincide with the Medicare enrollment season,” said Bonita Gooch, editor-in-chief of The Community Voice. “We’ve invited representatives from several health plans and the Senior Health Insurance Counseling program, so seniors can get their questions answered before choosing their 2026 coverage.”
Other high-interest sessions include fraud and scam prevention, taught by AARP Kansas, and estate planning, which Gooch said is an increasingly important topic. “We’re seeing too many of our seniors not taking the right steps to protect their assets and to pass on generational wealth,” she said. “Too often, people don’t have the paperwork in place to avoid probate, to ensure their property transfers smoothly, or to protect against family disputes. We want to help our seniors take steps that strengthen families and futures.”
Fun, Friends & Community
The Vibrant Voices Expo isn’t just about learning — it’s about having fun and enjoying community. For those who prefer a more social track, the event will also feature Black Trivia games with prizes and dominoes, just for fun.
At 4 p.m., the Expo switches to the festive “Dance for Grown-Ups,” sponsored by AARP Kansas. This Motown-themed dance party will feature Wichita’s popular line dance instructor Charles Coleman, who will lead familiar dances and teach a few new steps. Organizers emphasize that dancing is more than entertainment — it supports physical health, boosts mood, and offers the joy of socializing together.
“It’s going to be an informative but fun afternoon,” Gooch said. “We look forward to seeing many of our old friends — and making new ones.”
Admission & Door Prizes
Admission to the Vibrant Voices Senior Expo is $10. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at communityvoiceks.com (click on “More” and then “Vibrant Expo Tickets”) or by scanning the QR code in the ad on page 16 of this issue.
Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day, but winners must be present to claim them — giving attendees one more reason to enjoy the full program.
Bringing It All Together
With vendors, workshops, door prizes, refreshments, trivia, games, and a closing dance party, the Vibrant Voices Senior Expo promises to be both informative and entertaining. It’s an opportunity for Wichita’s seniors to take charge of their health, finances, and lifestyle — and to connect with others in a supportive, culturally rich environment.
Event at a Glance
Vibrant Voices Senior Expo
📅 Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
🕛 Noon – 5:30 p.m.
📍 Saint Mark United Methodist Church Family Life Center
1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, KS
Admission: $10
🎟️ Purchase online at communityvoiceks.com
→ Click “More” → “Vibrant Expo Tickets”
Highlights:
- 40+ vendors
- Workshops on Medicare, estate planning, scams, tech, and more
- Dance for Grown Folks with instructor Charles Coleman
- Black Trivia & Dominoes for fun
- Door prizes and refreshments
Hosted by: The Community Voice
Sponsored by: AARP Kansas