San Bernardino Wellness Fair: 2,400 Attendees and 150 Food Bags
The county’s fall event combined carnival rides with Narcan training and holiday meal distribution for local families.
By Anthony Foster ·
San Bernardino County held its Fall Wellness Extravaganza on Thursday, drawing a crowd of more than 2,400 residents. The gathering served as a public health initiative that mixed entertainment with service distribution.
The event took place on a single day and was organized by the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department in partnership with the Department of Aging and Adult Services Public Guardian. The venue hosted attendees ranging from children to older adults. Participants engaged in various recreational activities throughout the afternoon.
Amusements included a Ferris wheel, a train ride, and carnival games. Residents also took part in bingo, line dancing, and a wellness scavenger hunt. A live performance by Knyght Ryder provided a musical backdrop for the crowd. A costume contest and hands-on craft stations offered additional options for visitors.
Health resources were integrated into the day's schedule. The San Bernardino County Public Health Department provided Narcan training sessions to attendees. Staff members also discussed behavioral health options and facilitated meetings between residents and adoptable pets.
Josh Dugas, the director of the San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department, commented on the turnout. "This is what community wellness looks like," Dugas said. "It is people coming together, building relationships, having fun and knowing there are resources and people here to support them. Seeing more than 2,400 residents of all ages connecting in one place is a powerful reminder that wellness is about more than services. It is also about belonging and creating opportunities for people to feel connected to their community."
Distribution of food items was a key component of the event. The county provided free meals to those in attendance. Organizers also handed out 150 Thanksgiving food bags. These packages were intended to support local families as the holiday season approaches.
The event concluded with the distribution of the holiday supplies and the close of the day's activities. The partnership between the behavioral health and aging departments facilitated the coordination of these services.
