By June Mathews

The annual Alabaster Health Fair, a mainstay of the city since 2018, has a history of growth that’s set to continue August 16, 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at the Thompson High School Arena. Admission is free.

This year’s theme, ‘Passport to Wellness,’ emphasizes a proactive approach to healthcare and a lifestyle based on choices that promote overall well-being.

In partnership with the City of Alabaster, the fair is presented by Baptist Health Shelby Hospital, Shelby County Community Services, and Alabaster City Schools. A fun and educational event for all ages, the health fair helps make learning about health-related issues an accessible and enjoyable experience.

“The city and all of its partners bring an array of services together, and many departments combine their resources to make the event easy to access, find vendors, and create a comfortable environment for all,” said Alabaster City Councilmember Stacy Rakestraw.

How it began

The health fair is an offshoot of the City of Alabaster’s designation of the Medical Mile Overlay District in 2014. This plan was enacted to encourage improvement and growth within the local medical community.

“Our goal was to promote and educate residents and those in surrounding communities of the healthcare amenities Alabaster had to offer, including a hospital,” said Rakestraw. “We wanted people to know they could receive high-quality healthcare close to home and not have to drive all the way to Birmingham for these services.”

It was that same kind of practical involvement that produced the first Alabaster Health Fair, a joint effort of the City of Alabaster, the Angel Warrior Foundation, and Baptist Hospital. The inaugural event featured around 35 vendors inside City Hall and a special needs and children’s area on Municipal Green. Over 300 people attended.

“The second year, we expanded into the Alabaster Senior Center, which provided space for more vendors and extra seminars, and the attendance and number of visitors rose,” said Rakestraw. “The Thompson High School Arena was completed in time for our third health fair, and it’s been there ever since.”

Partners in health

Forming an ongoing partnership with Shelby County Community Services enabled event organizers to highlight more local, county, and state services at the health fair, thereby boosting the event’s capacity for even further growth.

It’s great to see so many resources and partners from throughout Shelby County coming together in one place to serve the community,” said SCCS Manager of Community Services Mindy Dent.

The Alabaster Health Fair also enjoys the support of Baptist Health Shelby Hospital, which came back to the fair post-COVID with a renewed commitment to the event.

“For over 65 years, we have been honored to be Alabaster’s hometown hospital,” said Community Relations Manager Brian Pavlick. “As Alabaster has grown, and the need for health education continues to rise, it makes sense to partner with the largest health fair gathering in the area.”

This year, said Pavlick, is especially significant in terms of Baptist Health’s involvement in the health fair, and from the hospital’s perspective, the event is perfectly timed.

“We will still be within our first year as Baptist Health,” he said, “and we are really excited to showcase our ‘New Day in Healthcare.’ The health fair will give us a chance to show the community our culture change from the inside out.”

Not only will hospital personnel be present, but many of the healthcare providers and groups affiliated with the hospital will have tables on-site.

“As a special treat, you may see a 7-foot dog named Scrubs running around, wearing a Baptist Health shirt,” Pavlik said. “He loves coming to Alabaster to meet new friends.”

What’s at the fair

“Each year we choose a theme to highlight specific health needs,” Rakestraw said. “These have included stroke awareness, mental health, care for those in the aging years and assistance for their caregivers, heart health, and an emphasis on overall health.”

In support of this year’s “Passport to Wellness” theme, visitors can learn about managing their health throughout every stage of life. This is a great opportunity to talk with local medical professionals and to undergo health screenings on-site, courtesy of Blair Pharmacy and Community of Hope’s Mobile Health Clinic.

“The list of vendors covers almost any health concern you can think of, as well as a lot of support services, many of which people are unaware of,” said Rakestraw. “The informal setting allows people to meet health care professionals, ask questions, and get the information they need to start or continue taking care of their health or the health of their loved ones.”

But, said Rakestraw, the Alabaster Health Fair couldn’t happen without the helping hands provided by Thompson High School’s Health Sciences Academy students and Air Force Junior ROTC students, along with their leaders,

“Plus, we have residents who volunteer as well,” said Rakestraw. “All of these volunteers help in greeting and directing visitors and vendors throughout the event, as well as helping with any other needs that arise.  We have around 30 volunteers each year, and they are a vital part of the success of the health fair.”

The Basics

Alabaster Health Fair 2025

“Passport to Wellness”

August 16, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Thompson High School Arena

Admission is free

 

Alabaster Health Fair FAQs

What’s the best way to find my way around the fair?

QR codes and/or printed maps will be available at the entrance to direct you.

What are Passport Cards, and where do I get one?

A full Passport Card will get your name into the door prize drawings. Pick one up at the door, get it stamped by each vendor you visit, and leave it at a designated drop-off spot.

Will mobility assistance be provided at the health fair?

Shuttle service will be provided between the parking lot and the entrance for anyone in need of mobility assistance. They can also be dropped off at the entrance, where volunteers will assist them to a seating area to wait for the rest of their party.

What kinds of activities will be available for my kids?

The special needs and children’s play area provides physical activities, games, face painting, and hands-on activities.

What if I have questions or concerns while at the fair?

Look for the health fair volunteers wearing special T-shirts and lanyards. They are there to help.