A run and walk to raise funds for the NJEA Hurricane Sandy Back to School Fund will launch this year’s annual Tri-State Health and Wellness Fair, on Sunday, April 28 on the grounds surrounding Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, 88 Route173, Hampton. The “Restore the Shore” run/walk, sponsored by Natural Awakenings of Central New Jersey and Health Ventures Plus, will take place rain or shine. Participants may choose a 5K or 10K run or a one-mile family fun run/walk around a beautiful lake on the playhouse’s campus. The run /walk begins at 10:00am, and a complimentary breakfast buffet is provided to runners/walkers following the race.

The Tri-State Health and Wellness Fair will offer activities for the whole family plus vendors with wide-ranging information, products and services that promote a healthy lifestyle. Activities includes a fun obstacle course run, carnival, silent auction, tricky tray, fitness classes, meditation at the lake, drum circle, DJ entertainment, plus a meet and greet with a Clydesdale horse from Willow Grove Farms.  In addition, hot air balloon rides will be offered by local balloon pilots (weather permitting).

The fair also features a Healthy Soup Cook-Off led by natural food chef Andrea Beaman.  (Participants bring ingredients while Healthy Ventures supplies the cook stations.) Winning recipes are determined by nutritional value, taste, creativity and presentation, and winners will be announced at the fair. After judging, soups will be sold with proceeds going to the Foundation to Save the Jersey Shore. The cook-off is open to all ages; however, those age 20 and younger must register before April 1.

For more information about the fair, visit TriStateHealthFair.com or email Lori Tomenchok at [email protected]. To register online for the run/walk, visit PretzelCitySports.com and click on “Online Registration.” Look for “04/28/13 Hampton, NJ Restore the Shore 5k/10k Run.” To book a balloon ride, call 908-310-5945. For more information about the group benefiting from the fundraiser, visit SaveTheJerseyShore.org.