PARIS — There’s not much better than a happy and healthy family.
And that’s what the annual Health and Happiness Fair for the Whole Family promises.
The event, sponsored by Richard Bader Physical Therapy, SAPARS (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services, formerly known as REACH) and Safe Voices, will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.
The fourth annual health fair will offer services, including traditional and holistic medicine, orthopedics and prosthetics, mental health and social services.
This year, close to 40 vendors will offer information, activities and more to families free of charge, Carley Packard, a physical therapist assistant with Richard Bader Physical Therapy said Monday.
“We try to bring in a little bit of everything,” Packard said.
The event is based on a promise employees at Richard Bader Physical Therapy centers in Norway, Poland and Bridgton, keep telling their patients, “Taking care of yourself will help ensure that you can take care of those you love,” Packard said.
“This statement has remained a driving force for this event,” she said.
Originally billed as the Health and Happiness Fair for Women, the organizers found that women were bringing their children and sometimes husbands or boyfriends to the fair, so they decided to expand the vendor list to cater to them as well.
Last year, the organizers decided to rename the fair the “Health and Happiness Fair for the Whole Family.”
The goal of the event is to bring multiple health care and wellness providers together in one venue for the community at large to access easily and free of charge.
Additionally, spa services of multiple styles will be offering both free samples and discounted services, to encourage rest and relaxation for a healthier family, she said.
Children can also be dropped off for free child care or to participate in a gymnastics course or crafts project table while their moms and dads wander around the fair.
There will also be a booth for seniors to provide them with age-appropriate information.
“We’re trying to incorporate every aspect,” Packard said.
Door prizes, raffles and healthy refreshments will be available. Guests will be able to meet participants, watch and take part in demonstrations and purchase items or gift certificates from various contributors.
The event will also host a blood drive for the Red Cross. Donors can sign up early to reserve a time to donate at any one of Richard Bader Physical Therapy’s offices, which are located at 176 Main St. in Norway, 154 Main St. in Bridgton and 1395 Maine St. in Poland.
Those interested in participating in the event should contact Packard at 207-743-5493.
ldixon@sunjournal.com
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