By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The new year is often a time when people focus on health and wellness, which is why Anna and Michael Wight decided to host Experience Wellness at the Pelham Civic Complex Jan. 9.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Calera residents will lead attendees through sessions, focusing eating cleaner, detoxing the body and renewing the mind.

The Wights, who are independent Young Living essential oils distributors, have partnered with Living Nurtured Wellness Center in Columbiana and Health Inc. in Pelham.

“We are trying to get people a little more aware about how they can be more well in their body, mind and spirit,” Michael said.

He explained that there have been many wellness events in Birmingham, but they wanted to host something closer to home. Anna also wanted to create a project that would help people get more information for healthy living, getting toxins out of the home and body and more.

Sessions will feature how to get well and maintain wellness, encouraging better choices and the mind, body and spirit. In addition to sessions, Bellini’s will be catering a Paleo-type lunch.

“The big meat part of the event is going to be our sessions,” Michael said. “We want this event to be very information heavy, so we give them some ideas, some food for thought.”

Michael said there will be multiple vendors will oil inspired gifts, such as diffuser necklaces, diffuser holders and soaps, as well as giveaways, goodies and prizes for attendees.

Attendees can also enjoy an antioxidant fruit juice bar and a massage demonstration by Ritcha Garrett of Living Nurtured Wellness Center. Michael said Garrett is showing attendees how to use the raindrop technique at home.

This is the first large-scale wellness event the Wights have hosted, and they expect to have between 150-200 people. Previously, they have taught classes and held smaller events with 25-30 people.

After Experience Wellness concludes, Michael said they are holding a 21-day challenge to help people stick with the ideas they learn at the event.

“We want it to be a great event, a great day, but we don’t want it to just be a day,” he said. “We want it to be a lifestyle change.”

Tickets will be sold at the door for $60, which includes lunch and giveaways. For more information, email support@experiencingthewellnessproject.com.