‘Kick it with Kitsap’ event aims to help locals with resources

Kitsap Coalition is bringing its second annual “Kick It With Kitsap” event to the Town Square Mall Aug. 9, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The free community wellness fair, founded by a group of local health and wellness business owners, is designed to showcase holistic well-being through interactive experiences, live music, food, and family-friendly activities.

The event is sponsored by several South Kitsap businesses and aims to introduce residents to local wellness resources, ranging from physical and mental health to spiritual wellness and beyond.

“We’re all within the realm of wanting to help people feel good about their bodies and lives,” said Natasha Roque, president of Kitsap Coalition and one of the founding organizers. “We created Kick It With Kitsap to be a space where people can discover resources in their own backyard that help them thrive, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

What began as a simple idea among friends has evolved into a growing local movement. The coalition includes businesses such as Orchard Roots Yoga and Fitness, RoqN Pilates, Sound Sport and Spine, The RACC (Rehabilitation Athletic Community Center) and Muscle Minds. After a successful inaugural event in 2023, despite a rainy May day, the team knew they had to bring it back.

This year, organizers are hoping the August date brings sunshine and even more community turnout.

Attendees can explore vendor booths, participate in fitness challenges, enjoy live music, and sample local food. Each vendor is encouraged to provide demos or experiences that highlight their offerings.

“We’re not just showcasing fitness,” Roque said. “Wellness is also about mental and spiritual health. We’ll have everything from acupuncture and therapy resources to fun, soul-nourishing entertainment.”

A unique feature of the event is the Passport Program, a community engagement challenge where attendees receive a card resembling a bingo sheet. By visiting and engaging with each booth, participants collect stamps and earn entries into a prize raffle featuring giveaways from vendors and community partners.

“This format encourages people to interact and really learn about what’s available here in Kitsap County,” Roque added. “It turns browsing into conversations, and those conversations can spark real change.”

In the spirit of giving back, this year’s Kick It With Kitsap will also support South Kitsap schools with a Stuff the Bus charity event. Eventgoers are encouraged to bring school supply donations, which will be collected on-site and distributed to students in need.

For more information ,visit kickitwithkitsap.com