By Greg Ellison

Staff Writer

(Nov. 21, 2019) Shoppers might be able to find that elusive original gift idea or the alternative health information needed to start the New Year with renewed energy at the Holiday Holistic Health & Vendor Fairs at the Ocean Pines community center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Recreation Department Program Supervisor Brittany Jarman, who coordinated the inaugural event last May, said the second installment is being combined with an even larger gathering of Christmas-time craft vendors.

“We have our holiday vendor fair at the same time, so we’ll have all types here, as well as holistic vendors,” she said.

Jarman said of the roughly 50 vendors participating on Saturday, 15 are focused on holistic health practices that promote self-wellness alternatives to modern medical treatments, with hands-on knowledge provided for attendees.

“They could experience getting a massage or speaking to a medium or even trying out any of the natural services that people bring,” she said. “Everything from the CBD oils, to massage therapists who treat and heal your muscles.”

Jarman originated the Holistic Health Fair as a means to spotlight area holistic-inspired businesses and the ever-growing interest in alternative medicines, such as acupuncture, essential oils, crystals and energy therapy.

“All of the vendors are skilled in what they do,” she said. “There are a few things I’ve never even heard of, so I’m interested to learn.”

In addition to finding samples or informational pamphlets, visitors also can schedule health investigations, Jarman said.

“Everything from just walking through and checking it out to setting up future appointments with the vendors,” she said.

After thinking about personal health concerns, visitors to the fair also will be able to peruse the even larger array of vendors offering a variety of arts and crafts items.

“They’re all small local businesses offering handmade crafts and many are holiday related,” she said. “From jewelry to clothing to holiday décor.”

Photo courtesy: OP Rec and Parks
Yuletide shoppers survey a small smattering of natural product vendors last season, with the array expanded to more than a dozen among 50 total stands during the Holiday Holistic Health & Vendor Fairs at the Ocean Pines community center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.