Carlyle's Chaelynn Slykhuis says the Arcola/Carlyle Health and Healing Expo held April 18 and 19 at Arcola's Prairie Place Hall is “intended to create a non-competitive, nonjudgmental environment where people can come and explore a lot of different options to get what they need to improve their total well-being.”
“There's a lot to see and do,” says event organizer Slykhuis. “It's all about health and wellness, and I really encourage people to try different things and go with an open mind.”
“I really urge people to listen to their gut feeling. They don't have to buy today. Instead, it's an opportunity to check out a lot of different things. There are show specials, different readers, for example...I don't want people to feel pressured; the Health and Wellness Expo is set up so that people can check out a lot of different health options in a relaxed, non-pressured way.”
“The focus is creating an environment where the public can come and feel welcomed and supported in getting what they need to help them make informed decisions for their total well-being. There are vendors here that can help a person address their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects.”
The event's 25 vendors included readers as well as those offering expertise in skin care, the use of essential oils, and others, including Slykhuis herself.
“I am a BeautiControl makeup artist. The products are gluten-free, not tested on animals, and are paraben-free and dye-free. I've been demonstrating spa facials as well as makeup for weddings and grads.”
“Our vendors come back every year. They love coming here, and this year, we had a wait list of 10.”
“We're also hosting presentations. Some of the topics we've scheduled speakers for are natural healing, the Tarot, meditation, and others.”
Now in its fifth year, the first two Expos were held in Carlyle, but as the event has grown, the event was moved to Prairie Place.
“Both shows have been really good so far,” says Slykhuis of this year's edition.
“It's grown a lot,” says Slykhuis. “Every year, it gets bigger and better.”
