39th holiday bazaar successful

The 39th annual holiday bazaar in Ritzville, was successful from the standpoint of vendors and shoppers. More than 40 vendors and around 300 shoppers convened at the Ritzville Grade School for a fun and profitable day last Saturday.

Sherie Schafer, local branch treasurer, chairs the bazaar while Vel Babbitt serves as the facilities chairman. Both Nancy Burke and Erika Hennings handle the publicity for the annual bazaar.

In the school lobby, the Ritzville branch of AAUW offered raffle baskets to raise funds for scholarships. The winners of the raffle baskets were: Bridger Moore, Terry Janzen, Kim Lantis, Kathy Kimble, Carmen Schumann and Cheri Haarstad.

Under the direction of Carol Schwisow, a committee of AAUW members made the raffle baskets. Gift certificates from Starbucks, Cow Creek Mercantile, Sunny Spot Floral & Gifts and AAUW members added to the baskets’ value. A good profit was made, and the public is thanked for their support of this sales project.

During the four-hour sales period, the Scholastic books, sold by AAUW members and chaired by Martha Heidenreich, sold continuously as a brisk stream of people came through the front doors.

All profits from the Scholastic sale are used to purchase books for the local schools and public library.

The majority of vendors spread throughout the gymnasium and cafeteria, indicated good sales. An especially popular item this year was the barbed wire wreaths created by Ritzville Rodeo Queen, Heidi Hennings.

Each year, vendors return to the holiday bazaar to enjoy the profitable experience and food service, provided by Blue Bike Catering. The 40th annual bazaar will be held on Dec. 7, 2013.