The Greater Vernon Healthfest is held every other year. The event will not be held in 2012, but we plan to be back in March 2013.

Saturday & Sunday
March 26 & 27, 2011
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Vernon Center Middle School
777 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30), Vernon, CT

Our fifth Healthfest is history. Thanks to all the exhibitors and presenters for making the fair memorable, and a special thanks to everyone who came to check us out whether out of curiosity or with a specific interest. We certainly hope you left with something new that you learned and will make good use of that knowledge to create a healthier future for yourself and your families.

We estimate that 1300-1400 people attended Healthfest over the two days with a fairly even split between Saturday and Sunday. Feedback from exhibitors is that those attending were asking good in-depth questions and wanted to learn and understand their health options.

The next Healthfest will likely be in March 2013. Why don't we do it every year? We're all unpaid volunteers and producing a fair is a lot of work. It takes a year before we are ready to even consider doing another one.

Until the next fair you can learn about other events and talks in the area on holistic health at ConsciousCT.org, where you will also find a Directory of Holistic Practitioners, which includes many of those you met at this year's Healthfest. We'll also leave this website online should you want to find contact information for any of this year's exhibitors.

Until next time the 2011 Healthfest Committee of Alan, Jean, Ann, Leanne, Jim, Debby and Jon wish you Good Health.

The Fair Experience

Exhibitors: In the exhibit areas are 84 tables in two halls where you can meet regional practitioners, ask questions and pick up literature. Areas represented include naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, energy healing, hypnosis, natural childbirth services, woman's health, spas, life coaching and herbs. In a quieter area a massage, vibrational healing or an energy treatment can be experienced. There is also a section with local environmental organizations and information.

Vendors: Vendors offer holistic health books, natural cleaning products, gems and minerals, herbal products, soaps, teas, green products, and gifts. Monet's Table Catering serves hot and cold wholesome food and Mountain Valley Water can quench your thirst.

» Go to information on Exhibitors and Vendors.

Workshops: There are 37 hourly workshops and demonstrations in four classrooms on a wide range of topics including natural childbirth, past life therapy, anti-aging, breathwork, energy healing, weight management and nutrition. At 1 p.m. each day is a gong concert and at 3 p.m. each day is a drum circle for the whole family.

» Go to Workshop Schedule and Description.

Drawing: With your admission you'll receive a form to fill out for a free drawing. The form also gives us feedback about Healthfest and offers you an opportunity to get on our mailing lists. Our practitioners and vendors have donated a wide selection of sessions and gifts for you to choose from. You have to choose which you hope to win.

To view a Slideshow of the 2009 event visit Conscious CT Photo Gallery. The setup and experience will be similar.

Admission

Admission is $5 adults, children under 16 free with a parent. Admission includes all talks and activities. All proceed go to the Vernon Youth Services Bureau for local youth programs.

Healthfest Facebook Page

Follow us on Facebook for updates, highlights and latest information. Click on the image to visit our Facebook Page and click 'like' to receive updates.

Holistic Medicine

Alternative, complementary, holistic and integrative medicine are names you may see applied to what are sometimes considered as non-conventional. Not long ago practices such as acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, energy, herbs and even nutrition were not part of the healthcare system; but in the last decade they have moved into the mainstream, and are increasingly backed up by sound research. Studies show that half of us have tried at least one form of alternative healthcare.

Integrative Medicine is the term now preferred by hospitals and is considered to be choosing the most appropriate of all available options for the patient, be they conventional or non-conventional.

Key features of Integrative Medicine are:
* Consideration of the whole person; we are more than the sum of our parts.
* Treat everyone as unique. Our family, work, environment and mental state all affect our health.
* Emphasize healing rather than curing. Address the cause rather than the symptoms.
* Create a partnership between patient and practitioner; take responsibility for your own health.

Our Gold Sponsors

The Center for Progressive Therapies (C4PT) is a growing community of holistic practitioners. We serve wellness seekers as a facility for a variety of awareness and growth workshops as well as a hosting facility for gatherings open to the public. Visit us at Healthfest to learn more.

The property is located on a private setting in the Cheneyville National Historic District in Manchester. The facility houses three buildings on an acre with ample parking, local lodging accommodations for travelers, local natural food restaurants and several historic points of interest.

Rockville Bank is Vernon's community bank supporting local initiatives such as our fair.

Our Silver Sponsors

Alliance For Holistic Living is a group of individuals who practice holistic living through their personal lives and their businesses; serving communities East of the River through service and education. We offer free monthly presentations on a variety of modalities.

Enlightened Professionals Network facilitate Oneness by connecting providers of healing and educational services with our three key constituents - the individual, the workplace and the community. We provide you with exciting and informative ways to enhance wellness and promote spiritual growth.

Natural Awakenings is a monthly holistic magazine serving Hartford County and providing the tools you need to assist you on your personal path to wellness.

Natural Nutmeg is a monthly holistic magazine serving Hartford County that provides information and resources for a healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle.

The Door Opener is a quarterly, statewide publication providing resources for spirituality, holistic health and metaphysics.

Presented By

Vernon Youth Services Bureau (Alan Slobodien, Director) is a community based agency dedicated to providing: information and referral, prevention services, early intervention services, crisis intervention services, program coordination, and program development. Youth service bureaus (YSBs) act as advocates for youth, assess their needs, identify service gaps, and coordinate youth services.

Conscious CT is a website and newsletter for the community of people who live East of the River with an interest in spirituality, metaphysics, holistic health and the environment. It provides information and resources for leading a healthier, happier, more conscious life.