Bazaar shows spirit of Christmas

Sandy Koch examines gift items at Camp Sherman Community Hall. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Hundreds of holiday visitors enjoyed browsing at Camp Sherman's annual Christmas bazaar, held last weekend at the historic and gaily decorated Community Hall.

Shoppers sampled the wares of 33 vendors displaying arts, crafts and food items organized by local artisans. The food bar also served hearty soup, chili, desserts and beverages for hungry shoppers.

Titled "Spirit of Christmas," the event was directed by Pam Titchener and her assistant, Kathy White.

The show, utilizing both floors at the hall, displayed outstanding Northwest nature photographic works of Bill Johnson. C.J. Adams also displayed his nature photos including the colorful "Pine Drops."

Close by were the whimsical prints and cards of Abigail Merickel, local print and paper artist.

Bette Farm offered her delicious food items as holiday gifts or treats for weekend shoppers. Her jams and raisin bread were a hit.

A highlight of the show was Lauren White's "wine lights" -- beautifully crafted wine bottles with candlewick, decorative fuel and materials. The Black Butte Schools fourth grader was also surprised with a Friday night birthday cake, candles and crowd performance singing "Happy Birthday."

Another hit at the weekend show were Jerry Avila's "Bears" on the upstairs floor. These woodcarvings, with happy facial expressions, delighted folks at the Christmas event.

Beth van Campen's knitted materials drew serious attention from holiday shoppers for the fine detail of her work and quality materials used.

Downstairs, near the fireplace, Black Butte School students displayed many of their Christmas items for shoppers. Student Evan Sims displayed his birdhouses for Christmas gift giving.

Thirteen percent of sales from the event are donated to the local school.

The Spirit of Christmas weekend event grossed nearly $10,000 from happy holiday shoppers; 2 percent of this goes to the restoration fund for the venerable Community Hall, which has housed events since the 1930s.