ESTEVAN — Health professionals, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts came together at the Estevan Exhibition Hall on Saturday for the first Estevan Health Fair.
The day, focused on all aspects of natural health and healthy lifestyles, consisted of a tradeshow, as well as four presentations by guest speakers.
Tami Dovell, a transformational healer and life coach, was at the fair to guide guests in navigating anxiety and depression. Marilyn Simons, a staple at the Estevan's Farmers Market sales, talked about gardening and canning. Dana Clay, a private nurse practitioner who views health and wellness through a functional lens, dedicated her speech to an energetic approach to women's health. And Lana Van Dijk, whose brainchild is Body Fuel Organics, shared some tips and tricks on staying healthy using natural products and tools.
Charlie's Chuckwagon of Alameda ran the canteen.
The event idea was brought up by Lynda Dunbar at the end of December, and with the support of a core group consisting of Sarah Metz, Christina Wock, Angela Weibe, Linda Rhodes, Laura Ooms-Piper and Rejeanne Frazer, it was put together in no time.
"It was all put together really quickly. I had the idea, but I didn't do the work. All these girls did the work," Dunbar recalled with a laugh.
"Where it started was the fact that there is the strong possibility that the essential vitamins and minerals will be taken away, either one way or the other, either by being discontinued or not allowed to be sold in Canada, or the fact that the government would make it so hard for the companies to produce them that they move out of Canada," said Dunbar.
"So, in looking at that, people need to have a healthy way to live. And so, we thought we could put together a lot of natural treatments [and organize a health fair]. There are many things here, there's light therapy, there's grounding, there's different ciders you can make for colds, and there's even a colloidal silver lady here with her equipment to show how to make it. It was all about providing the help and information."
"[We were putting it together] with an educational component, awareness and community in mind," said Metz, noting that they not only wanted to help people learn more about existing natural health goods, services, practices and techniques, but also to raise awareness about the industry's challenges. They also wanted to make a lively event.
"It's good to see someone face to face and talk to them. All the vendors are very personable and very engaged, so it's good to come and actually have a face-to-face with someone, especially after the last few years where people weren't able to do that," Metz added.
Dunbar said she reached out to the "most organized people [she] knows" and the work began. The core organizers are also a part of the Concerned Citizens Estevan SK group, which agreed to sponsor the event. Dunbar noted that they wanted to have the event happening in January to ensure its success, since around this time of the year people are staying home more and are looking for something to do. Metz said both vendors and speakers were very receptive to the idea, and most were able to join and present.
Estevan Health Fair drew participants from the southeast corner, with a lot of people right from the Estevan area and the furthest travellers coming from Windthorst and Regina.
The concerned Citizens Estevan SK group members were also on location sharing their projects and ideas.
The event attracted a lot of interest with hundreds of guests coming through the doors.
Dunbar noted they hope to raise enough money to cover the expenses, but if there is anything left it will go back to the Concerned Citizens Estevan SK group for future projects.
