ORANGE PARK – Vendors had a good problem at the Clay Today Active After 50 Expo on Saturday, Aug. 9. They ran out of handouts, pamphlets and goodies an hour after the doors opened at the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center.

“Some of the vendors had to make a run to Walgreens to get more chocolates and sweet treats,” said event coordinator Sara Malone. “The turnout was great, especially early.”

Event sponsor Clay Today brought 75 copies of that week’s newspaper, and they were gobbled up in less than 60 minutes, which prompted another run to the Fleming Island office for another three bundles.

There was a line dancing exhibition at the Clay Today Active After 50 Expo on Saturday, Aug. 8.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE

“Everyone was thrilled to be there,” Malone said. “I think there was a lot of great information shared, and everyone had a lot of fun with that.”

There were more than 60 vendors providing information on travel, entertainment, health, insurance, legal advice, healthy living, products, services, screenings, recreation, dance exhibitions, giveaways, hobbies, finance, housing options, senior care and exercise. Active After 50 also offered free pickleball lessons.

Malone said the event will return for the eighth year in 2026.

There were several new vendors this year, which provided visitors with some new information.

“One of the biggest changes is we increased our partnership with Clay Today,” Malone said. “Honestly, we’ve been partners for years. We've loved working with them. I think together, we focused on the senior community in Clay County. I think working together turned out really well.”

Elizabeth Reed, right, tells a guest of the many services offered at the Shepherd's Center in Orange Park.

STAFF PHOTOS BY DON COBLE