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HomeNewsArchivesNot for Profit: Vendors Wanted for Bizarre Bazaar

Not for Profit: Vendors Wanted for Bizarre Bazaar

Nancy StrompThe annual Coral Bay Community Council Bizarre Bazaar is more than three months away, but if anyone who wants to sell wares at the event had better get cracking.

“You need to build up your inventory,” Coral Bay Community Council member Nancy Stromp said.

Stromp is organizing the Dec. 13 event, which will be held in the fields surrounding Pickles Restaurant on Route 107 in Coral Bay. It will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There is no limit on the number of people who can set up shop, and Stromp said she expects about 50 or more vendors to sign up, the same as last year.

She said she wants artists, craftspeople and other vendors to sign up early because those who are first on the list get the best spots in the field.

Stromp said she expects a variety of painters, potters, jewelry makers, knitters, quilters, seamstresses, and woodworkers to set up shop. Crafts include items like coconut bird feeders and other island-style items.

She said that people selling plants sold out quickly at last year’s event, and added, “I’d love to get some welders who make sculptures."

Other vendors include people who make oils, hot sauces, spices, and food.

“These people do it for love and passion. This is the stuff coming from their heart,” she said.

Now is also the time to clean out closets so unneeded items can be donated to the Community Council for its Bizarre Bazaar yard sale. The yard sale items will be at the back of the property. After Thanksgiving, a container will be placed near Pickles Restaurant so people can drop off donations.

Stromp said last year the yard sale alone raised about $2,000 for the Community Council. She said the entire event netted more than $10,000.

Crafts sell at the 2013 Bizarre Bazaar.Last year’s proceeds went to fund small Community Council projects such as the beach cleanup. This year, the organization hopes to join forces with American Legion members to fix up Coral Bay’s Agriculture Center.

Entry fees run from $25 to $75 depending on whether the merchant wants to bring his or her own table, use one of the Community Council’s or wants space under a tent. Stromp said while it’s not required, many vendors elect to donate a portion of their proceeds to the organization.

The event is targeted at local residents with products to sell. Stromp said last year’s merchandise was all high quality.

“It’s not mass-produced stuff,” Stromp said.

Customers include people who live on St. John, those from St. Thomas who come over for the event or find themselves on the island, and tourists. It’s timed so people can do their Christmas and holiday shopping.

“It’s about sharing the island experience with family and friends up north,” Stromp said.

Stromp said an online auction will begin the week before the Bizarre Bazaar to give people a chance to shop if they can’t attend.

A silent auction at the event will have villa rentals and boat charters for prizes.

The event also features a visit by Santa Claus, open-mike music and a beer brewing contest. Stromp said since beer takes a while to ferment, brewers should start planning now for the Bizarre Bazaar.

Those interested can sign up by calling Stromp at 1-340-775-0533 or sending email to her at cbbizarrebazaar@gmail.com.

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