Fun and Fitness Expo Helps Reshape Sarasota, Bradenton Communities

When Katherine Cottrell started at New College of Florida three years ago, the New Mexico native didn’t know much about the off-campus community.

Thanks to the Fun and Fitness Expo sponsored by New College and University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Cottrell became acclimated with the Sarasota and Bradenton community as she attended the past three events. Last year, Cottrell learned how to rock climb and this year is hoping to learn how to ballroom dance.

“I love it,” she said. “Every time it is a little different.”

The annual Fun and Fitness Expo, held Wednesday outside the Counseling and Wellness Center, is in its fourth year and has grown every year, said Erin Robinson, event co-chairwoman. There were about 50 vendors the first year and about 80 vendors at Wednesday’s free expo, Robinson added.

“It allows students and the community to take the afternoon off and have fun,” she said.

Vendors included YouFit, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Humane Society of Manatee County, Smoothie King, Mixon Fruit Farms, TreeUmph! Adventure Course, Rosemary Court Yoga and Suncoast Jin Shin Jyutsu.