SPRINGFIELD — The Indian Orchard Citizens Council and state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s office are once again hosting the third Annual Health and Wellness Fair. The fair will take place July 13, between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Myrtle Street Park in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield.
Ayanna Crawford, organizer and chief of staff for Ramos (D-Springfield), reflected on why she wanted to create the fair.
She recalled, “In the early 80s, my mother would always do a health awareness event, and I hadn’t seen that in Indian Orchard. I mentioned it to [Springfield City Councilor] Zaida Govan,” who represents Indian Orchard, “and she was in right away.”
The fair has been hosted by the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and Ramos’ office since then.
The fair’s activities will be hosted “every hour, on the hour,” Crawford said, and will include Zumba, line dancing and a double Dutch jump roping demonstration. Fair goers can have their blood pressure checked, listen to speakers address a variety of health and well-being topics, and take in a live performance by Springfield-based Mz. Tash and listen to music from DJ KLS.
People will also be able to take part in Painting with a Purpose. “The first year we did it, it was a huge success,” Crawford said of the opportunity to make art at the event. Several area organizations, including Crawford’s own, Take the Mic program, will have a presence at the fair, offering information and resources. For children, there will be face painting, a storytime and other age-appropriate activities.
The event and activities are free to the public, aside from purchases from an on-site food truck.
Reflecting on the popularity of the event and how it has steadily grown over the past three years, Crawford said, “People really anticipate it.” The fair draws in 200 to 300 people each year.
