DOVER — Active adults looking for activities and information to enhance their lifestyle are invited to the senior event: Thrive Dover – Senior Life After 55. The fourth annual Dover event returns to Noble’s Pond community clubhouse “The Point” on Friday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free and open to the public, Thrive is designed to offer older adults an array of unique and fun activities to try, plus a selection of personalized services, resources and demonstrations. The day will include vendors, exhibitors, food trucks, giveaways and interactive activities.

The open house event is presented by Delaware State News in partnership with Noble’s Pond. Bayhealth and Westminster Village are the 2021 event sponsors.

More than two dozen vendors will share everything from makeup trends and hairstyles to vacation planning, homecare, financial and health services. Experts will give demonstrations, both informational and interactive.

Guests can also find new activities to try, whether volunteering with or learning from Habitat for Humanity, DEMCO, Easterseals or Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. To help navigate the necessary sides of adulthood, Delaware agencies will discuss Medicare assistance, gambling assistance, veterans’ services and more.

As part of the event, Noble’s Pond will offer guided home tours of their expansive 55+ lifestyle community.

“My colleagues have always raved about Thrive and how it’s such a great resource for the community, as far as putting people in touch with different providers and resources for those who are 55 and better,” said Beth Haynes, director of marketing with Regal Builders, the Noble’s Pond developer. “We’re just really excited to be a host for the event. It’s going to be a great day filled with lots of information and fun.”

For lunch, food trucks will be right outside, selling tacos, bowls, gyros, Cajun food, barbecue, Chinese dumplings, cookies, ice cream and more. Door prizes will also be awarded throughout the day.

“I really like the demonstrations we have, like flower arranging with Potpourri Garden Club,” said Emily Fitzgerald, events coordinator for Delaware State News. “Have you ever tried to make a flower arrangement look decent? It’s not as easy as it looks.”

The Modern Maturity Center Steppin’ Seniors are returning with a crowd-pleasing performance. They always get everyone on their feet to sing and dance along with their routines.

Meanwhile, Zumba is a popular exercise for people of any age or ability. The guest instructor will lead a demo, including modifications for people to stay active, even at different intensities.

“All the vendors are just totally there to inform and have a little bit of fun,” Ms. Fitzgerald said.

Previously known as the “Senior Spree,” this summertime event now comes under the “Thrive” umbrella.

“It’s an encouraging word. It’s more upbeat, and I think it tells you about the event. We’re not just going to shove pamphlets in your face — we’re thriving here,” said Ms. Fitzgerald. “Here’s how to thrive in your community at this age, at any age. You don’t just have to sit around.”

“It’s a really exciting time for that age cohort — 55 and better,” said Ms. Haynes. “It’s a time when they really get to start a new chapter, where they can still maintain and be close to the family, but even more importantly get to explore their passions and hobbies and create the home of their dreams … They’re in a community with similar interests and life experiences, and there’s definitely a camaraderie that forms because of that.”

Event organizers are following the governor’s guidelines on COVID-19. (The Delaware State of Emergency will be lifted by July 16. The CDC recommends people wear masks if they have not been vaccinated.) Hand sanitizer will be available in different areas, and the layout is designed so areas don’t feel too crowded.

The Point is located near the community entrance at 13 Nobles Pond Crossing, Dover. Parking is free and located near the clubhouse front doors.

Find more information here. For a full schedule and program book, see the “Dover Thrive” publication.