Under the Weather Cure: Hudson Valley Holistic Market’s Winter Wellness Fair
FISHKILL,NY- Vendors from New York and New Jersey were in attendance and excited to showcase their products at the Winter Wellness Fair, hosted by The Hudson Valley Holistic Market. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 24 at the Comfort Inn in Fishkill, NY.
The Hudson Valley Holistic Market is an organization that allows local vendors, being artisans, readers and healing practitioners, an opportunity to share their products and services with the public. The Market hosts a variety of events focused on specific times of the year. All events in 2019 will be held at the Comfort Inn Suites in Fishkill and are created to promote seasonal healing of the body, mind and spirit.
“I started the Hudson Valley Holistic Markets back in 2016, and the inspiration and history is more than what I can write,” said founder, Maryalyce Merritt. When discussing the organization’s takeoff and vendor selection, she said that, “all vendors are juried. I am very particular. We put the word out on social media, our vendor group on Facebook, and on our website.” Merritt also expressed the importance she placed on promoting the event to members of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce.
At the event, for purchase were a wide variety of products, including natural supplements, incense, semi-precious stones, handmade jewelry, bath and body products and feng shui items. Tarot Readings and aura photography/energy imaging and consultations were also available. These services were offered to the public at a discounted rate, many just accepting gratuity.
The vendors were outgoing and ready to sell and promote their goods. Gina Gunsolley of Aromatherapy Products in New Milford, New Jersey was eager to showcase her feng shui products for “health, wealth, good fortune, prosperity and love”. Largely available were her variety of sprays. When asked the difference between the offering Gunsolley explained that they all had a different purpose. Pointing to the bottles, she explained their different purposes whether “to get rid of negativity, to get love and money, or to increase wealth”.
Gunsolley also stocked very intricate Indian altar coverings, explaining that there “are no designs that these people have to follow…they make these pieces to remind them of someone or an experience”. She explained that these were a best seller for her because “they are used for many things…it’s not just for a specific usage anymore, life has changed, it can be for the table, an altar or for meditation purposes”. In the past, Gunsolley explained that this could be viewed as sacrilegious, but now the culture is more lenient. According to Gunsolley, this holistic culture was not always popular, but she attributes the growing success to yoga, as it has brought attention to these products and lifestyle.
“We were very happy with the overall turnout,” Merritt said, regarding this event. The Hudson Valley Holistic Market’s next promoted event is to be held in October. They plan to hold a Gem and Mineral Show on Healing Rocks, offering opportunities for purchasing from vendors, taking classes on using healing rocks, and sitting down with a variety of readers.
