BeaconFest was a day of good fun and practical information for the boomers and seniors in our community. Thanks to our show sponsors, Hilltop, Pioneers Medical Center, Larchwood Inns, Family Health West and KREX News Channel 5; our volunteers; entertainers; the 100+ local businesses who set up booths; and most importantly, you, our guests, the event was a tremendous success.

More than 2,500 people walked through the doors of Two Rivers Convention Center, excited to immerse themselves in a day full of events and resources.

Starvin’ Arvin’s, Olive Garden, Rib City Grill, Village Inn and Golden Corral provided guests with delicious food throughout the day.

Swing City Jazz Quartet and Leah Rachelle welcomed attendees to the show. King ‘n’ Trio, Javier de los Santos, The Scones and Ron Koss also hit the stage with great music. Morgan Crouse captivated attendees with her guitar and powerful vocals, Canyon Grand lit up the foyer with their sweet barbershop harmonies and Peggy Malone delighted crowds with her interactive performance and stick “hosses.”

Each seminar room hosted a spread of educational presentations that covered Medicare, identity theft, estate planning, medical treatment and technologies, and reverse mortgages in an environment crafted especially for seniors, boomers and their families.

People hung around in anticipation of some mini-performances by Senior Theatre thespians. One lucky winner won two tickets to go see The Rolling Stones in Denver.

As if the seminars, live entertainment and vendor booths weren’t enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30 minutes.

We want to thank all of the vendors who donated the wonderful gifts that made these drawings so exciting. We gave away a case of wine from Fisher’s Liquor Barn, three-month memberships to Fruita Community Center and Crossroads Fitness Center, a downtown date night to dinner and a movie at the Avalon, and a home furnishings package with gift cards to American Furniture Warehouse and a lamp and table set valued at over $400 from La-Z-Boy. Some lucky readers even won travel packages to Cripple Creek Casino and Wind River Casino. Of course, there were also a lot of restaurant gift cards, several rounds of golf, free oil changes, bowling and movie passes, and more!

As is true every year, this year’s BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of the 100+ vendors who set up booths.

Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of our community. Thanks to all who attended!