2025 Health & Wellness Family Fair expands under Skyline Health

“This event is free and open to all,” says organizer Anna Henschel, Community Outreach Coordinator for Skyline Health. “The event has moved to Rheingarten Park following the White Salmon Valley School District (WSVSD) PTO’s Fun Run. The outdoor activities should make this more engaging for kids and parents alike.” She added that if the weather allows, the new splash pad developed by the City of White Salmon will be open, and free food will also be available for the first 200 attendees.

The Health & Wellness Family Fair has roots in the former H.U.G.S. Fair (Help Us Grow Safely), which had a long history at Henkle Middle School but was unfortunately discontinued during the pandemic. It had focused on pre-school through age 12, with educational and enjoyable activities. 

Last year, the White Salmon Valley School District brought the event back with a new title and support from the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), Skyline Health, and Wellpoint. It expanded the new Health & Wellness Family Fair with activities for children from 0 to 18 years old. 

Now, Skyline Health is expanding the idea even further to engage a wider range of the community to participate in healthy lifestyle activities with help from this year’s sponsors: Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), Wellpoint, One Community Health, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, WAGAP, and the K-Link Collaborative.

“I'm especially excited about this year's comprehensive approach to family wellness,” said Kristen McReath, Community Prevention & Wellness Initiative Director with WAGAP & K-Link. She added that over 20 community partners have registered to participate, and the group will highlight resources available in both Klickitat and Skamania counties on the north side of the Columbia River in Washington. 

Henschel and McReath explained that the event aims to bring families together to explore physical and mental health, wellness of all types, and social determinants of health. Attendees can engage in interactive workshops, educational booths, and activities for all ages. Parents will especially benefit from easy one-stop access to groups promoting early childhood education, child development, affordable medical care programs, nutritional programs, youth sports, and summer camps, among other themes. 

Key topics such as healthy habits, mental health awareness, safety skills, and social supports that impact overall well-being will be highlighted. Local organizations and wellness experts will share valuable resources, while youth leaders help facilitate learning and discussions.

The group hopes to inspire positive change for individuals and families. High on their list of goals is to foster collaboration, provide practical tools for healthier living, and strengthen the community by sharing knowledge and support.

“We hope to see a great turnout this year,” Henschel said. “Thank you to all our sponsors and participating organizations working to make this a fun family-oriented event that will benefit the entire community.”

For any questions about the White Salmon 2025 Health & Wellness Family Fair, Henschel is available by email at ahenschel@myskylinehealth.org or by phone at (509) 637-2603.