“A Royal Celebration” is the theme for the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging’s annual senior fair.

The event is slated for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Bicentennial Center, 800 The Midway, Salina.

More than 700 older Kansans and family caregivers from throughout the area are expected to attend.

“In medieval times, festivals at the castle would last for days,” said Julie Govert Walter, executive direct of the agency. “We know the busy schedules that seniors have with everything going on in their lives, so we’ve packed all the fun and quality information almost any older Kansan could want into just one day.”

Robert Hayes, president and general counsel of the New York-based Medicare Rights Center, will present the keynote address at 9 a.m. Established in 1989, the center is a clearing house for information and policy issues about Medicare, and has helped more than one million people with Medicare-related issues.

Morning and afternoon workshops include:

• Managing Your Castle on a Medieval Income — practical information on money management by Sheria McMichael of Consumer Credit Counseling.
• Medicare Does Not Pay for Jousting Injuries — the latest information on Medicare presented by Suzi Lenker from the Kansas Department on Aging.
• Tort-ure Prevention Tips at the End of Your Crusade — update on powers of attorney and other legal instruments important in end-of-life decisions, presented by Paul Shipp with Kansas Legal Services.
• “Fare Thee Well, Dear Heart!” — presented by Sabrina Bublitz, a registered dietitian who specializes in cardiac care.
• “Surely You Jest!” — providing strategies to handle stress by Helen Risdon, a registered nurse.
• “Once Upon a Time: Writing Your Life Story for Your Future Ancestors” — a session on creating a memoir to leave a legacy for your family to enjoy, presented by Fred Brock, author and former reporter for The New York Times.
• “The Rise and Fall of Royalty” — practical tips to prevent falls, presented by Robin Hodges, a registered physical therapist.

The luncheon will honor a Lord or Lady nominated from each of the 18 counties within the region. This highlight is sponsored by the Flint Hills Foundation for Older Kansans, which supports community initiatives that benefit older Kansans and caregivers in this part of the state.

More than 70 exhibitors will present a wide range of products and services. B&K Prescription Shop will have a pharmacist available to conduct “medication check-ups” for seniors. Those who wish to have their medications reviewed should bring along a list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications and dosages or the actual medication bottles.

More than 150 items have been donated to the fair’s silent auction, including a big screen TV, collectible coins, handmade afghans, baskets of homemade goodies, collectible sports cards, and more.

To register for the 2008 Senior Fair or for more information, call 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703.