LATHROP – Chris Lawrence has a vision for the community.

It’s not all that uncommon. As the Senior Center manager, Lawrence shoots for the moon whenever he thinks up an event or a happening taking the standard haunted house to the next level with a Roswell-themed event a few years back and transforming a standard barbecue competition into a full-on community bash.

But with the Community Resource Faire that he’s pushing for this weekend, Lawrence has shifted gears by putting the focus on health in order to provide an arena where residents can come and learn about what they can do to improve their overall well-being.

It’ll also include a dose of fun.

Free screenings and demonstrations will complement vendor booths with crafts and other homemade items. People will be able to check their blood pressure and their blood sugar while getting gardening and cooking tips.

With the backing of Care1st Health Plan and The Commons and Union Ranch, Lawrence hopes that the event will catch on not only with the seniors that he sees on a daily basis but the community as a whole.

“I think that it’ll be something that’s representative of the resources that are out there for people and what they can do,” Lawrence said. “It’ll show them about nutrition and some of the places they can turn to learn about it and other things that are important for their health. It’s for adults and seniors and children – we want this to be something that everybody can learn from.”

A team of groups have already signed up to participate and man booths at the event – the Local Area Agency on Aging, the American Association of Retired Persons, Walgreens, In-Shape, ITT Technical Institute, and the Lathrop Senior and Youth Advisory Commissions. More are expected to trickle in over the next several days as the event draws closer.

While Lawrence has big visions of what the event can be in the future, including incorporating a job-searching and pairing aspect, Parks and Recreation Administrator Kyle Dowley says that the event is a great way to showcase some of Lathrop’s businesses and what they have to offer.

“It’s a good chance to show the assets that Lathrop has and the things that some of our local groups and businesses can provide for the community,” Dowley said. “The city is behind this event and we’re hoping that it turns out to be something great.”

The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lathrop Community Center, located at 15557 5th Street in Lathrop. The Commons will provide door prizes. For additional information, or to learn about how to become a vendor, call (209) 941-7380.