Fitness Expo Proves Successful in First Year

Candice Kolins was among more than 30 local vendors participating Saturday at Ocean City’s inaugural Health Fitness and Wellness Expo at the Sports and Civic Center. For Kolins, the founding partner and co-owner of Cruise Control Gear, which has a retail outlet at the Stainton’s shopping complex, it was the first time she had participated in a major marketing effort with other members of the business community. However, it won’t be her last time, she said. “Aside from some of the neighboring businesses, this was the first chance we had to interact with the other members of our business community,” said Kolins, whose firm offers a line of men's and women's high performance sportswear. “Everyone was very supportive and encouraging,” she continued. “This is another example of why we wanted to open a store here in town.” The Expo, hosted by the OCNJ Healthy Living Advisory Council, took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and had a built-in audience of participants in town for Sunday’s OCNJ Half Marathon and non-competitive 10-mile walk-run. One such attendee was Marianne Hesseltine, 71, who has run half-marathons in all 50 states. Sunday was her 61st career half-marathon, she said. One of the vendors, Dr. Andy Mars, was a speaker at the Expo for the organization Kids Make a Difference. The Health Expo was held at the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center. There was a surfing, skating and stand-up paddle boarding demonstration by Willie Fannon, proprietor of OCNJ Surf School, a group Zumba class, a sports performance talk by local chiropractor Dr. Mark Kemenosh, and much more. Also on hand was OC’s mascot Martin Z. Mollusk, Miss Ocean City Mary Grace Jamison, Junior Miss OC Natalie Argento and Little Miss OC Antonella DiAntonio. The event featured health food, fitness classes, other speakers, vendors and a “Kid’s Corner” with information on raising healthy children. Kolins’ 2-year-old daughter Sienna took advantage of some of the kids activities, her mom said. “The Expo was a lot of fun, especially meeting people and letting them know about our products. It was well-organized and well-run. And, we did really well selling our products,” Kolins said with a smile. Candice Kolins is joined by Ocean City Special Events Coordinator Michael Hartman and Ocean City mascots Martin Z. Mollusk and his wife, Mollie.