Getting and staying healthy is a lot like organizing a health and wellness fair: it takes dedication and effort, but the results are so worth it.
Talking to Cindy Clark of the Navigator for Wellness two weeks before the third annual Salt Spring Well-Being Fair runs at Mahon Hall provided some insight into what makes the event special for the community.
“It’s always a ton of work, and I get little exhausted, but I know that as soon as I get there and it all comes together, it’s such a delight just talking with and meeting new people,” she said. “Every year, I meet new people and new practitioners, and I have found my own medicine through these fairs . . . So I’m looking forward to who’s coming this year and who I’m going to meet who I’ve never met before.”
The “absolutely final” list of vendors and participants was not known when we were chatting for this story, although more than 20 were signed up, with room to accommodate a few more people.
“It’s such a variety,” said Clark. “Counsellors, naturopaths — the Madrona Health team — acupuncturists, chair massage people, energy healers, skin therapists, equine therapists, tarot card readers, energy workers — so a whole variety and a good multitude of people.”
Fair-goers can get “taster” treatments and product samples, and ask questions in a warm and convivial atmosphere that includes complimentary tea and cookies.
At least two tarot readers are participating, which Clark said is a popular feature.
“There’s a mystique to it that just gets people really excited, and especially the elders that come in and want their cards read.”
The fair runs Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entrance is by donation.
Clark and her team have also put more focus on youth this year, with door prizes specifically for younger attendees and a craft table set up for them.
“I want to make it more attractive for more families to come in and just enjoy the fair, so that’s what I’m hoping to build on.”
Lou Ellis of Coco Loco will be serving lunch.
“She did it last year, and her food is so good,” said Clark. “That was such a treat.”
Clark is grateful to local support in providing so many door prizes. She is also pleased the Harbour House Hotel stepped up to be an accommodations partner, offering a deal for people coming to the island to attend the fair, as well as a chance to win a prize for those who have been sharing promotional posts on social media.
Clark said she spent some time attending wellness fairs in other communities in the past year to see what she could learn, and was struck by the contrasts with Salt Spring’s event.
“It was just tables and no privacy and no decorations and no tea. I wanted a cup of tea so badly, I even signed up for a tea-leaf reader, just to get a cup of tea. So I was really appreciating the energy that we put into our fair. I mean, we spend hours decorating the hall that whole Friday night, really creating the space and the energy.”
“I think that speaks to our community — there’s that level of caring, and it’s not just a throw-it-together thing. It really is a labour of love and caring that comes into that hall to make it beautiful and to make it feel great for people.”
For more details, look for the fair’s magazine, which will be available around the island, or visit navigatorforwellness.com.