Dancers, singers, cows and sheep made their presence known at last Friday’s Fun and Fitness Fair at Piney Branch Elementary in Bristow. Hundreds of families came out to enjoy the entertainment, take part in activities, benefit from fr
eebies and learn more about health and fitness. Throughout the fair, vendors and volunteers provided free bottled water, oranges, green smoothies and other healthy snacks.
Zachary, a fourth grader at Piney Branch, said about the fair, “It’s fun. You get to see a lot of stuff you haven’t seen before.” His advice for staying healthy was, “Go outside a lot and eat good food.”
Meanwhile, Brian Cooper and Rebecca Hart of Medical Massage Specialties in Manassas provided free head, neck, shoulder, arm and hand massages in specially designed chairs. The massages were geared to help with people who suffered from “commuting and computing,” two major sources of physical and mental stress.
“This is a wonderful health and fitness event for Western Prince William County folks and for people all over,” Cooper said.
Cooper also said his company was taking part in the fair to bring awareness of wellness care. “We are part of the wellness community,” he said. “We don’t realize it, but our bodies are like 
cars. People overlook the maintenance. We push ourselves until something gives.” Cooper believes massage is part of holistic health maintenance, which helps prevent future problems.
“We also like to support the school,” Cooper said. Medical Massage Specialties donated a door prize – a certificate for a free 90-minute Swedish massage.
Also onsite was the Target Clinic, a health clinic Nurse Practitioner Bethany Fry said a lot of people still don’t know about. One of the clinics is located in the Super Target in Gainesville. Fry said they 
were taking part because they like to “reach out to schools and the community.” The Clinic also took part in the school’s career day.
Representatives were also there to let people know about the Sunday Farmers’ Market held at Piney Branch. Market vendors include Little Green Farm, Ignacio’s Produce, Real County Sausage and others that provide wholesome, local products. Representatives say that buying local strengthens the local economy, supports endangered family farms and helps safeguard your family’s health. The market runs from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. A percentage of proceeds benefits Piney Branch Elementary.
