By Nicole Fitzgerald
What: Whistler Wellness Fair
When: Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Telus Conference Centre
Admission: Free
Four years ago, the Whistler Wellness Fair was nothing more than a modest gathering at Myrtle Philip elementary school. Now thanks to a partnership with Tourism Whistler and the leadership of Darlene Samer and Glenn Iles, fair founder Roxanne Chappell has been able to transform the humble grouping into a showing of more than 50 to 60 exhibitors with activities, sampling and seminars hosted for the first time at the Telus Conference Centre.
“It’s made a huge jump this year,” Chappell said. “Our new partners have given us the ability to have more interesting services and treatments for people.”
The Wellness Fair will host a variety of wellness specials, presentations, workshops and demonstrations Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Telus Conference Centre.
“We wanted to bring healers, people interested in helping other people to help their lives to be better,” she said. “I wanted it to be Sea to Sky corridor people, so everyone would get to know each other within the wellness community and help each other out. Now it has grown, with people coming from Vancouver Island to share as well.”
From nutrition and beauty to health and life strategies, the Wellness Fair invites guests to explore a wide range of products and services. New services/products at this year’s fair include a bone-density measuring device, energy measuring machines, feather hack, homemade flutes and energizing body mats.
“I want to introduce people to healing techniques and modalities that they might not have been exposed to previously,” Chappell said. “People can learn about it in a comfortable environment where they can feel free to try something new.”
Speakers will host discussions throughout the day. Barbara Souther talks about the four key factors to a healthy lifestyle at 10:30 a.m. Randall Carpenter talks about Superfoods and how they can be used to detox at 11 a.m. Evelyn Coggins discusses the healing power of herbs at 11:30 a.m. Sharon A. Cipp shares secrets on modern skin care for outdoor lifestyles at noon. Dr. Christian Guenette talks detox at 12:30 p.m. Marissa Schiesser explores naturally balancing your hormones at 1 p.m. Van Powel uncovers The Stick, a toothbrush for your muscles at 2 p.m. Author Michael Symonds shares his spiritual insights on Zen shredding.
The fair also includes a Slow Food demonstration and sampling area where local farmers will showcase their products and local chefs will transform those products into tasty samplings. The Salt Spring fiddle troupe will keep the day hopping as well.
“There will be so much to do and discover,” she said. “It’s one stop shopping for the body, mind and soul.”
Admission is free.
