November 29, 2007

AAUW’s annual bazaar to feature

several new vendors Saturday

Ritzville’s 34^th annual Holiday Bazaar is overflowing with vendors! About a quarter of all the vendors this year will be new to the bazaar.

Custom wood molding, Christian tapestries, Gold Canyon candles, spoon jewelry, custom renaissance clothing, glass designs and handmade glass jewelry are some of the new offerings at the bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ritzville Grade School.

Vendors fill the gym, cafeteria and in the hallway. Shoppers can anticipate embroidered sweatshirts, fleece blankets, quilted items, Emu oil products, honey, mosaic birdbaths and tables, sterling silver jewelry, pottery, Christmas ornaments, plus baked goods by Cub Scout Pack No. 73 and the Emanuel Lutheran women.

A quilt raffle and Pet Rescue drawing top the day. The American Association of University Women is selling children’s books by Scholastic with all profits benefiting the local school library and raffle baskets, with those profits going to scholarships.

Marva Schoessler will capture images of children with Santa on the stage, and lunch is available for purchase in the cafeteria by Sharon’s Drive In.

The Ritzville High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members are sponsoring a silent auction for themed baskets and baked goods.

General chairperson, Sherie Schafer, said that vendor registration has far exceeded expectations.

“This excellent vendor response is the best AAUW has had in 10 years,” she said.

In the past few years, about 350 shoppers have visited the bazaar for their holiday purchases. The bazaar has become a popular first Saturday in December, Ritzville shopping experience, according to Schafer.