The Community Wellness Expo is happening today, bringing together more than 50 local organizations committed to strengthening the well-being of the Orono community. Running from 5 to 7 PM in the Activities Center, the annual event – hosted by Orono Community Education – is aiming to connect community members with resources that support their physical, mental, and social well-being.

Guests will find groups focusing on important public health challenges, like Fentanyl Free Communities, as well as those focused on small acts of kindness and overall positivity, like Kindness Rocks. Local law enforcement and other representatives from Hennepin County will also be in attendance.

“[The expo] is a great opportunity to see all the organizations working in the Orono community,” junior Simon Forbes, a member of the Orono Coalition – another group that will be at the expo – said.

In addition to the informational booths, there will also be a variety of fun, interactive activities for expo-goers to participate in. For example, guests can try a free yoga demo, explore hands-on wellness stations, and greet a highland cow.

Food trucks will also be on site – like Brick Oven Bus and Hope Filled Cafe – giving guests the opportunity to enjoy dinner while taking part in the activities.

Occurring simultaneously with the expo is a community blood drive organized by Memorial Blood Centers. While the October and March blood drives are coordinated by the Student Senate, this event is run independently by Memorial Blood Centers in partnership with Orono Community Education.