Arbutus Meadows in Nanoose Bay will soon host the largest health and wellness expo in the history of Vancouver Island, according to its organizers.
The Healthy Brain and Body Show, set for Sept. 17 and Sept. 18, is free to attend and will include 100 exhibitors and focus on both mental and physical well-being.
“It’s a celebration of our health,” said Sarah Roberts, organizer. “Which is so much more than diet and exercise. I think everyone just thinks that health is two things: diet and exercise. This show is a true celebration of the fact that we get to be alive and that we’ve come through this very challenging couple of years and we see this event as a true celebration of togetherness.”
This will be the first time the event has gone off since 2019 and Roberts said the organizers are excited to be back.
The 60,000-square foot venue, with wide aisles and high ceilings, will allow people to spread out and feel safe, Roberts added.
Visitors can check out a silent disco, a meditation cave and a fitness demo area. There will also be speakers on the stage giving inspirational talks over the weekend.
The silent disco will see attendees put on headphones and enjoy a dance.
“We know that dancing is so important for brain health, for heart health and also having fun,” Roberts said. “Which is amazing for our mental health.”
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Visitors will be able to check out fitness equipment and martial arts demonstrations, yoga, as well as saunas, hot tubs and RVs. There will also be food to sample, a healthy food truck and a mini cafe, complete with a lounging area.
“Just to take a break because it’s such a big big show,” Roberts said.
There will also be booths from the Stroke Recovery Association of BC, Autism Society of BC and the BC Brain Injury Association.
Also at the show will be cleaning companies, body care products, a mini escape activity, a death doula, hospice and a realtor.
There is even a demonstration planned that will let volunteers try on a device that simulates the feeling of period pain and menstrual cramps, Roberts said.
The show is inspired by Roberts parents, who retired to Vancouver Island 20 years ago and made the Island feel like a second home for Roberts, who moved to the area with her partner several years ago.
Her father passed away 10 years to the first day of this year’s exhibition. Roberts said her father represents everything the event is supposed to be.
“It’s my love letter to my Dad and to Oceanside, because I wouldn’t be living here if my parents didn’t do it first,” Roberts said. “They were brave with their lives and even though he was struggling, he came out here for a visit and bought a house.”
Roberts battled addiction and has been sober since 2002. Since then, she has become a certified health coach to spread her message with others.
“We all feel so alone and we’re not alone,” Roberts said. “We’re all going through similar things, and the same things and different things, but we’re all going through things.”
The show will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 18.
Donations, including non-perishable food items, are welcome.
The organizers want to limit garbage, so visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle — fresh filtered water will be available. They also want to reduce waste by not handing out bags and ask attendees to bring reusable bags with them.
The first 250 people through the doors each day will get a special coupon for Ritual Nordic Spa in Victoria.
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