The Active & Alive in Altoona Healthy Hobby Fair featured informational booths from various area organizations, including Altoona’s Clover Express 4-H Club. Above, member Samantha Zimmerman gets into the act with a clown costume and balloon shapes as she shares information with event attendees.

   For four hours on Sunday, September 7, Altoona hosted its first annual Active & Alive in Altoona Healthy Hobby Fair. The event was organized by Altoona’s Wellness Committee, a group made up of people from the city, school, and residents.

   “We’re here to promote wellness,” said Altoona School District Business Manager Kathy Dahl. “We were looking for (vendors) that have healthy activities and healthy products that promote wellness, especially for families.”
   Over 75 vendors from around the area attended the event, which featured demonstrations, discussions, and information about various activities that promote healthy lifestyles. Topics ranged from martial arts training to tips on where to purchase healthy local foods to the mental and physical benefits of water color painting.
   “We wanted to do something to benefit the community; something to give people the opportunity to get exposed to healthy activities for mind and body,” said Altoona City Administrator Mike Golat.
   “One of our goals was to try and bring a variety of activities to the citizens and surrounding area and put it all in one spot for them,” added Active and Alive in Altoona Co-Chair Ann Lein.
   Attendees came from all over the Chippewa Valley to partake in the festivities.
   “It’s an exciting first annual event,” said Altoona resident Anne Watson. “I like the array and variety of things that they have here of what you can get involved in, for so many different interests.”
   Jamie and Kari Oliver of Altoona expressed similar thoughts on the event.
   “It’s good to see that they have so many different interests covered here, especially for a first year,” said Jamie.
   The committee is already thinking about next year.
   “We’re already thinking it’s going to happen in the future, with the great turnout that we’ve had,” said co-chair Lisa Schuetz. “We’re really excited about it.”