PARKSVILLE – A new wellness center celebrated its opening this past weekend with a Winter Celebration. The Pillars of Parksville hosted nearly 100 guests throughout the day to introduce the community to its headquarters as well as have some winter fun.

Jayne MacManus and her sister-in-law Samantha were on hand to welcome everyone to the event.

Samantha and her husband Kytt MacManus, own Pillars of Parksville, which  is described as a state-of-the-art wellness center committed to fostering community well-being and offering transformative experiences. It is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to health and happiness.

“We offer everything from counseling to yoga, meditation to personal training,” Samantha said. “We also have a fitness den, infrared sauna and cold plunge tub.”

One of the highlights of Saturday’s open house was a presentation by Falconer Peter Chiavaro, who brought his bird of prey, a Red-Tailed Hawk. Chiavaro explained how hawks and birds of prey exist in the wild. He also had a question-and-answer session.

Kytt MacManus also took everyone outside for a drone demonstration as the young attendees played in the snow and enjoyed a bonfire later in the afternoon.