Health fair draws steady crowd
Staff writer
Saturday’s county health fair drew a steady crowd of people eager to get vaccinations, have a massage, talk to vendors, and sign up for prizes.
In all, 92 people ordered laboratory tests through both St. Luke Hospital and Hillsboro Community Hospital, and 67 visitors got COVID-19, Fluzone, and high-dose flu vaccines.
The line for neck and foot massages by Rachel Gfeller and Shirley Davis, new this year for health fair visitors, was long, but people having massages were clearly relaxed as could be.
“The fair was a great event,” health department director Krista Schneider said. “We got to interact with so many people from Marion County communities.”
Fair coordinator Jessica Gilbert was pleased with how many people attended the fair at Hillsboro’s Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.
“My goal is to see people enjoying themselves while learning about the health and wellness,” Gilbert said. “The massage therapists were this year’s most popular destination.”
More than 25 exhibitors set up booths, each with a sign-up for a prize drawing.
Marion County emergency medical services gave blood pressure checks, Legacy Eyecare cleaned and adjusted glasses, and Safe Hope had a popcorn machine going.
Adrienne’s Coffee Shop gave $1 off any tall beverage to people who got lab services or vaccinations.
Gilbert plans to have next year’s health fair at Marion Sports and Aquatic Center and hopes to add live music next year.