Carla Branson, left, and Nick Spence look at a floor plan of this weekend’s 20th WholeExpo. Spence has been the common thread over the past two decades as the WholeExpo principal. Durango always had a spiritual side to it, he said, and was host to other metaphysical fairs. But, it was Spence who brought them together into one annual event in the fall./Photo by Jennaye Derge
Together as a whole
After 20 years, WholeExpo adds another element to healthy living
by Tracy Chamberlin
The past 20 years have been about transformation and growth. Not just for the bodies, minds and spirits of the countless individuals who’ve attended the WholeExpo in Durango, but for the event’s organizers.
What began as a small, metaphysical fair has become a holistic and ecological showcase spanning two days, Sept. 12-13, and covering every corner of the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
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“When it started, it was really considered a metaphysical fair,” said Carla Branson, producer for the 20th anniversary of the WholeExpo.
This is the first year Branson’s at the helm, but certainly not her first time attending. She’s been a part of the WholeExpo, either as an attendee or host of a booth, since the beginning. “I don’t think I missed a year,” she said.
She remembers the original event highlighted people and products typically associated with metaphysical affairs, like Tarot and palm readers, gemstones and crystals.
In the first decade, it expanded from the metaphysical into healthy living with offerings like supplements, water filters and healthy food. And, it continues to grow. Today, the event addresses every aspect of healthy living – body, mind, spirit and, most recently, the environment.
The common thread over the past two decades has been Nick Spence, the WholeExpo principal.
Durango always had a spiritual side to it, he said, and was host to other metaphysical fairs. But, it was Spence who brought them together into one annual event in the fall.
As the owner of The Marketing Department, he was able to bring his marketing expertise to healthy and conscious living. “It was a way to promote people working in that arena and those looking for them,” he said. 4
Along with John and Dorothy Strain, the first WholeExpo arrived on the scene in 1995. The Strains were only involved that year and have since moved out of the area, but Spence kept the metaphysical fires burning.
In recent years, he said he’s recognized the importance of the environment in a holistic approach and pushed to make it an important part of the WholeExpo.
“If we don’t include environmental considerations as part of our approach then we’re not really serving people,” he explained. “It’s about living a conscious life.”
Typically, holistic medicine examines the body, mind and spirit. But that fourth element, the environment, affects well-being just as much as any other. If the environment is polluted, then so is the whole person.
“We are made from the earth,” Spence said. “What we do to our environment impacts our healthy, happiness and spirituality.”
One of Spence’s favorite visitors over the past two decades was when Grandmother Flordemayo came to Durango in 2009.
Born in the highlands of Central America and of Mayan heritage, the internationally known healer and shaman is a member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. She’s spoken at conferences, colleges and universities around the world and is dedicated to the preservation of seeds through her foundation, The Path.
She spoke at the expo about life and the spiritual world she helps others navigate as a healer. “It’s a puzzle,” Spence explained, “and all the pieces come together.”
Throughout its 20-year history, the WholeExpo has attracted acclaimed speakers from all over the world and the nation, but it hasn’t forgotten about the ones close to home.
Whether it’s a healer or spiritual guide, chiropractor or acupuncturist, Durango is home to many alternative wellness and holistic experts.
“(The expo) is a great way to know what’s in our community and know what can help us in any aspect of our being,” said Judy Siekerk, who served as the WholeExpo producer before Branson came on board.
Like Branson, she has been a part of the expo since the beginning, but during her time as producer she said the biggest change she saw was the expansion from the fairgrounds’ main hall out onto the patio.
Although all of the seminars, talks and demonstrations are volunteer efforts, the list of those looking for a chance to speak is long.
Seikerk said with so many requests and a limited number of open spots, several years ago the expo’s organizers decided to open up the outside patio area at the fairgrounds.
It offers more space than the inside booth areas, which is also in a busy hall with more than 90 exhibits. Moving outside to the patio allows for live music, demonstrations and discussions. This year, the patio features 15 one-hour seminars. “It gives a larger breadth of information to people,” Siekerk explained.
Like Branson, she has been a part of the expo since the beginning.
She said the event is for anyone who wants a healthy life. “Just walk up and down the aisles,” she said, “whatever you’re interested in, it’s going to be there.”
With an entry fee of just $5, which is good for both days, it’s not about the money. It’s about sharing products, services and knowledge that can improve one’s health and wellness.
“It’s going to be an incredible show,” Branson said.