February 18, 2015 / Volume XXXVII / Issue I

The Fun and Fitness Expo is an opportunity for New College to engage and build partnerships with the wider community, while also highlighting the services provided by the Counseling and Wellness Center (CWC). The annual event was held this past Wednesday, Feb. 11, complete with more than 70 vendors and beautiful weather.

The Fun and Fitness Expo is a joint effort between New College and the University of South Florida. It is one of the largest events on campus each year and takes more than seven months of planning.

“We’ve been meeting every three weeks since July,” Erin Robinson, associate program directorof the CWC, said. The event’s budget totaled $4,000, and relied on donations for the door and raffle prizes.

Hundreds of students and visitors made their way through the tables arranged in front of the CWC.

“This is my fourth Fun and Fitness Expo, and I think they have more cool activities and stuff this year,” thesis student Hilary Ramirez said. “But I wish there was the skunk,” Ramirez added, referencing the Sarasota Jungle Gardens table that had a snake, baby alligator, and hedgehog for people to hold.

“Last year they had the cutest skunk named Mocha,” Ramirez said.

Some of the other attractions included a rock climbing wall, bounce houses, and of course complimentary samples. Free services such as HIV and STD testing, acupuncture, manicures, and haircuts were also provided.

Dennis Ford, one of the barbers from the Manatee Technical College, gave 10 free haircuts to students and visitors that day. “I just like to make people feel good,” Ford said.