Warm weather and sunshine accompanied the opening of the Spring Farmer’s Market at Bradwell Park on March 7, which also was Healthy Hinesville Day.
To celebrate the city’s Healthy Hinesville Initiative, the event featured a community health-and-wellness fair, which was held beside the market along Commerce Street. In addition to 10 farmers’ market vendors, there were about 20 booths and exhibits designed to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
The Healthy Hinesville Initiative started at the beginning of the year and includes several programs designed to help fight obesity and promote healthier living. The Warm weather and sunshine accompanied the opening of the Spring Farmer’s Market at Bradwell Park on March 7, which also was Healthy Hinesville Day.
To celebrate the city’s Healthy Hinesville Initiative, the event featured a community health-and-wellness fair, which was held beside the market along Commerce Street. In addition to 10 farmers’ market vendors, there were about 20 booths and exhibits designed to raise awareness about the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
The Healthy Hinesville Initiative started at the beginning of the year and includes several programs designed to help fight obesity and promote healthier living. The city of Hinesville partnered with the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority and the Farm Bureau of Liberty County to put on the event. The initiative includes a health-and-wellness challenge for city, county and school system employees.
“This event is a midpoint celebration for employees participating in our Spring Wellness Challenge as well as an opportunity to get the community informed of healthy lifestyle resources in the area,” Hinesville public relations manager Krystal Hart said. The eight-week wellness challenge has become a friendly competition between city, county, and LCSS employees. Participants keep track of healthier lifestyle choices, such as drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting sweets and exercising for at least 30 minutes five times a week.
“The city partnered with the farmer’s market for this initiative because we share the same vision and mission of encouraging healthy lifestyles. It’s a good match,” HDDA program assistant Katrina Barrow said. She added that the HDDA was excited to kick off the spring market, pointing out that a couple new vendors joined the lineup. More new sellers will come to the market in May. The Summer Farmer’s Market official grand opening is May 2, she said.
Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette both were in attendance and addressed the crowd.
Thomas touched on the community’s great health resources and said the event offered a rare opportunity to see them all in one place. He hopes the community takes advantage of the information and programs.
 “The farmer’s market is a major part of [the Hinesville Healthy Initiative]. If you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and all the other items we have here, it will more than help you keep up a healthy lifestyle,” Thomas said. He welcomed everyone and encouraged the crowd to return to the weekly market early and often.
“We want healthy children, healthy parents and a healthy community. We all want to work, live, love and support the community that we call home,” Lovette said. Acknowledging the friendly competition aspect of the challenge, he said the county would clear a space for the spirit stick, which goes to the entity whose employees come out on top. In his closing, the commission chairman thanked farmer’s market supporters and the vendors who make it possible.
The fair featured a variety of health-focused businesses and services in Liberty County. Liberty Regional Emergency Medical Services provided blood-pressure and glucose screenings. Curves, Body Sculpt Fitness Bootcamp and 24Seven Family Fitness promoted fitness services. Farmer’s Natural Foods offered samples of organic items and provided information on upcoming in-store events.
An independent running club, Liberty Run Group, promoted its group and touted the benefits of running. The group has been in the area for more than three years and offers beginner, intermediate and advanced running groups to the community, founder Josh Maxwell said. The group always is seeking new members and is open to all ages. The group meets at 6 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Liberty County YMCA.
Other health vendors included Ease the Pain Message Clinic, Liberty County Recreation, Hinesville Day Spa, Spine and Sport Hinesville, Well Care, Diversity Health Clinic, Air Evac Lifeteam, Liberty County School System and the Liberty County Health Department.
Barrow said that the Farmer’s Market will continue weekly from 4-7 p.m. every Thursday through October. New vendors are always welcome, and information and applications can be obtained from the market’s website, www.hinesvillefarmersmarket.org.