Camp Sherman hosts Holiday Bazaar

For the 20th year running the community turned out last weekend. For the Camp Sherman Holiday Bazaar to support Black Butte School.

Coordinator Judy Sims said the BBS Foundation, who conducts many such events have raised $100,000 in 10 years for scholarships for BBS students. The proceeds are also available by request for school events.

Every year, getting volunteers is a challenge noted Sims, who started the foundation at the suggestion of former principal Toni Foster. The calls started coming in when Sims announced they were not going to hold the event this year due to lack of volunteers.

"Last year when they talked about not having it, I wanted to see it stay," said co-coordinator for the past two years Cindy Kuhnle. "It's hard to get the volunteers until the ball starts rolling, then everyone pitches in."

The bustle starts as soon as the doors open at 5 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving and continues until the 9 p.m. closing. Cars are lined up immediately upon opening. Saturday's bazaar ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Preparation for the event actually began early in October when organizers go green gathering for the wreaths that are the centerpiece of the bazaar. Juniper, pine,and fur gathered around Black Butte make up the wreaths.

One family who visits Camp Sherman every year for Thanksgiving said the Bazaar is part of their Thanksgiving ritual. Four generations, mother, daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter came out to shop for holiday gifts.

They have two Thanksgiving dinners, one the day before the Bazaar, one the day after, attend the Bazaar, the parade in Sisters and have a father/daughter football game.

The Bazaar also has some traditions. Every year they do baked goods and chili. Volunteers work two-hour shifts.

Wooden spoons, jams, jewelry, quilts, wooden boxes filled with hand tied flies are but a few of the local crafts. The atmosphere in the Community Hall was festive, exemplified by a glowing fire from the stone fireplace surrounded by hand carved wood displays and hand knit hats and scarves and mittens.

The Bazaar is not juried and most of the vendors are Camp Sherman/Sisters artists. One of the simple pleasures of the event is that artists do not have to be present. All purchases are paid for in one central location by the front door.

At the top of the stairs in the balcony, the Krause Family of photographers had their work on display showing rustic local scenes of horses and cowboys (and girls), aged farm buildings and a variety of nature stills. Some of their work can be seen at Aspen Lakes Golf Course.

Back in the corner Craig May was set up with camera and accoutrements taking individual and family portraits. The images could immediately be put on a mug, button, or magnet creating a great gift.

Down on the main floor, volunteer Lorie Hancock jumped up from her chair after a sale realizing the cards she wanted to buy were selling fast. Too late. She'll have to get them next year.