A Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit: The History of the New Visions Holistic Expo
Tracing the intertwined history of the New Visions Holistic Expo and New Visions Books & Gifts, cornerstones of the holistic community in York, Pennsylvania.
The Genesis: New Visions Books & Gifts – A Cornerstone in York, PA
The story of the New Visions Holistic Expo begins with the establishment of New Visions Books & Gifts in 1987. Founded by Bob Hall and Bill Trivett in York, Pennsylvania, the bookstore quickly became a cherished resource for those seeking knowledge and tools for metaphysical exploration. Opening its doors on April 1st, 1987, at 28 S. Beaver St., the store aimed to fill a void in the community, offering a haven for individuals interested in topics that were not widely available elsewhere. The founders recognized a genuine need within their community for resources related to personal growth and esoteric studies, driven by their own “quest for enlightenment”.
New Visions Books & Gifts soon transcended the typical retail model, evolving into a vibrant center for learning and community engagement. The store’s mission focused on creating a “nurturing environment where individuals can explore, grow, and connect with a community of diverse beliefs”. Its carefully curated inventory, ranging from New Age books to healing crystals and incense, was designed to support each individual’s unique journey of self-discovery. This commitment to fostering a holistic lifestyle extended beyond the products offered.
From the early days, the founders actively engaged with the local community. Bill Trivett, with his passion for Tarot, Astrology, and NLP, began offering classes, sharing his knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of these subjects among the store’s patrons. Simultaneously, Bob Hall focused on ensuring the steady growth and stability of the bookstore. This early dedication to community building laid the foundation for larger initiatives, as their commitment extended to “sponsoring events and creating platforms” that would eventually lead to the New Visions Holistic Expo in 2001. Over the years, New Visions Books & Gifts relocated to the Kingston Square Shopping Center, where it continues to operate. Despite the ever-changing retail landscape, the bookstore has remained a consistent and reliable resource, a “steadfast beacon” for the metaphysical community in York, Pennsylvania. This enduring presence underscores the significant role it has played in shaping and supporting the local holistic movement.
The Birth of a Holistic Gathering: The Inception of the Expo
Building upon the strong community ties fostered by New Visions Books & Gifts, the New Visions Holistic Expo was launched in 2001. This initiative was a direct result of the vision and efforts of the bookstore’s co-owners, Bill Trivett and Rev. Bob Hall. Recognizing the growing interest in holistic practices within their community, they sought to create a larger, more encompassing event that would bring together a diverse range of practitioners, vendors, and individuals on a path of wellness and spiritual exploration.
The primary motivation behind the expo’s creation was to establish a dedicated space where people could delve into the realms of “holistic health, spirituality, and wellness in a welcoming and educational environment”. The founders aimed to provide a platform that offered not only access to various holistic goods and services but also opportunities for learning and connection within a supportive community. Reflecting its positive and life-affirming intention, Bob Hall originally named the event the “Celebration of Life Holistic Expo”.
The initial scale of the New Visions Holistic Expo was relatively modest, starting with approximately 25 vendors. However, the focus from the outset was clear: to connect individuals with resources that could enhance their well-being in mind, body, and spirit. This foundational goal mirrored the mission of New Visions Books & Gifts, extending its reach and impact to a broader audience through an annual gathering. The expo was conceived as a natural progression from the bookstore’s existing community engagement, providing a larger stage for the exploration of holistic living.
Evolution and Growth: Two Decades of Holistic Exploration
Over the past two decades, the New Visions Holistic Expo has experienced significant evolution and growth, solidifying its position as a cornerstone event in the regional holistic landscape. Starting with a modest gathering of 25 vendors, the expo has expanded considerably, now featuring over 100 vendor booths. This growth in scale reflects the increasing interest in holistic practices and the expo’s success in attracting a diverse array of participants. Annually, the event welcomes over 2,000 guests seeking to explore the various facets of holistic health, spirituality, and wellness. Today, it stands as the “largest and longest-running holistic expo in the area,” a testament to its enduring appeal and relevance.
Throughout its history, the New Visions Holistic Expo has been held at several locations in York, Pennsylvania, each move often necessitated by the expo’s increasing size. Its past venues include the Days Inn off of Route 30, York College, and various buildings at the York Expo Center, such as Horticulture Hall and Old Main. Currently, the expo is held in Memorial Hall East at the York Expo Center, also known as The York Fairgrounds. This progression of venues underscores the expo’s growing prominence and its ability to accommodate a larger regional audience.
While the core themes of holistic health, spirituality, and wellness have remained consistent, the expo’s offerings have broadened over time. Attendees can now explore a wide range of products and services, including natural health products, organic skincare, spiritual readings, and energy work. A key component of the expo is its program of inspiring speakers and workshops, covering diverse topics such as medical astrology, energy clearing, and sound meditation. This educational aspect enriches the attendee experience and provides opportunities for deeper learning. In 2018, the event underwent a name change, officially becoming the “New Visions Holistic Expo,” a move likely intended to more directly link the event with its origins at New Visions Books & Gifts. Formerly known as the “Celebration of Life Holistic Expo,” this rebranding aimed to strengthen brand identity and recognition within the community.
Key Individuals and Milestones
Bob Hall
Co-founder of New Visions Books & Gifts and the New Visions Holistic Expo. His vision and dedication have been central to both ventures since their inception.
Bill Trivett
Co-founder of New Visions Books & Gifts, whose passion for holistic practices and community building was instrumental in the early success of the expo.
Kara Lovehart
Current organizer of the New Visions Holistic Expo and co-owner of Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness Center, ensuring the expo’s continued success.
Matt Suter
Current organizer of the New Visions Holistic Expo and co-owner of Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness Center, managing the expo’s operations and growth.
The history of the New Visions Holistic Expo is deeply intertwined with the contributions of several key individuals. Bob Hall, co-founder of New Visions Books & Gifts in 1987 and the driving force behind the expo’s original conception in 2001, has been a central figure throughout its history. He not only co-founded both ventures but also coined the original name for the expo, “Celebration of Life Holistic Expo”. Even after stepping back from the day-to-day operations of the expo in 2021, Bob Hall continues to own and operate New Visions Books & Gifts and maintains a presence at the annual event. His enduring commitment reflects a deep-seated passion for the holistic community in York, Pennsylvania.
Bill Trivett, the other co-founder of New Visions Books & Gifts, played an equally vital role in the early years of both the bookstore and the expo. His expertise in Tarot, Astrology, and NLP made him a respected figure, and he actively contributed to the community by offering classes and workshops for nearly three decades. Bill’s passing in June 2017 marked a significant loss for the community he helped build. His spirit and teachings continue to inspire those who knew him and attended the expo.
In 2021, the primary organization of the New Visions Holistic Expo transitioned to Kara Lovehart and Matt Suter, the owners of Firefly Hollow Holistic Wellness Center, a long-time community partner of New Visions Books & Gifts. This transition ensured the continuation of the beloved event after Bill Trivett’s passing and as Bob Hall moved towards retirement from expo duties. Kara Lovehart and Matt Suter bring their own dedication to holistic practices and community building, continuing the legacy established by Bob and Bill while also introducing their own ingenuity and vision.
Community Impact and Reach
The New Visions Holistic Expo has had a profound impact on both the local community in York, Pennsylvania, and the broader holistic and metaphysical community in the surrounding region. It serves as a vital platform for local holistic practitioners, vendors, and artists to connect with a receptive audience and showcase their diverse offerings. By bringing together a community of like-minded individuals, the expo fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among those interested in alternative wellness modalities and spiritual exploration. The educational component of the expo, through its workshops and lectures, further contributes to the community by providing valuable knowledge and insights into various holistic practices. Moreover, the annual event attracts visitors to York, thereby contributing to the local economy and enhancing the region’s reputation as a hub for holistic and metaphysical interests.
The reach of the New Visions Holistic Expo extends well beyond the immediate York area. Its central location makes it accessible to individuals from major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh, drawing guests and vendors from considerable distances. The expo’s reputation for featuring renowned authors and speakers, such as the esteemed Ted Andrews, further enhances its appeal within the broader holistic and metaphysical community. For many attendees, the expo has become an annual tradition, a much-anticipated “homecoming” where they can reconnect with familiar faces and explore new avenues of wellness and spirituality.
At its core, the New Visions Holistic Expo plays a crucial role in connecting people with the resources and knowledge they need to pursue holistic well-being. It offers a diverse marketplace of holistic goods and services, providing access to everything from natural health products and organic skincare to spiritual readings and energy work. The expo facilitates networking and collaboration within the holistic community, fostering connections between practitioners, vendors, and attendees. By creating a positive and engaging environment, the New Visions Holistic Expo empowers individuals to explore different holistic modalities, raise their consciousness, and embark on their personal journeys of healing and self-discovery.
The Enduring Legacy: The Relationship Between New Visions Books & Gifts and the Holistic Expo
The New Visions Holistic Expo stands as a testament to the enduring vision and commitment of New Visions Books & Gifts to the holistic community in York, Pennsylvania. The expo’s very existence is a direct result of the bookstore owners’ dedication to providing a welcoming and educational environment for those seeking holistic health, spirituality, and wellness. The shared values and mission between the bookstore and the expo have created a strong foundation of trust and shared purpose within the community.
The transition of the expo’s primary organization to Firefly Hollow Wellness in 2022 represents a significant milestone, ensuring the continuation of this cherished event for years to come. Firefly Hollow Wellness, a long-standing community partner, was a natural choice to carry the torch, demonstrating the collaborative spirit within the local holistic movement. This strategic handover ensures the expo’s future while honoring its past and the significant contributions of its founders.
Even with this transition, the deep-rooted connection between New Visions Books & Gifts and the Holistic Expo remains strong. Bob Hall, the co-founder of both, continues to own and operate the bookstore and maintains an active presence at the expo each year. Furthermore, New Visions Books & Gifts proudly serves as a sponsor of the event, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the holistic community. This enduring legacy highlights the foundational role of New Visions Books & Gifts in the expo’s history and its unwavering support for the holistic movement in the region.