David Douglas Bazaar bigger and better

If you missed it – even though we told you it was coming – take a look, and see why people say this event rivaled the largest commercial gift shows in town …

Lena Whight talks with Jerilyn Walker, one of 97 vendors at this year’s David Douglas Bazaar.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Georgia Mayfield made it perfectly clear why she was Christmas shopping at the 12th annual David Douglas Holiday Bazaar: “Why fight traffic going out to the Expo Center, pay for parking and admission, and see the same old stuff, when I can come here and shop for free?”

Yes, the hallways and the north cafeteria were filled with 100 tables covered with all kinds of gifts presented by 97 vendors, as the event got underway on December 6.

“It is our largest fundraiser of the year,” explained Kari Deardorff, Parent Teacher Student Association President, at David Douglas High School.

In addition to table rentals, the “Jingle Bell Snack Shop” was open for breakfast and lunch throughout the day.

David Douglas High’s PTSA board members pause for a photo during their Holiday Bazaar: Shannon Pitts, Treasurer; Lisa Keefe, Secretary; Gena Andersen, Vice President; and Kari Deardorff, President.

Proceeds support scholarships
“All of the proceeds go to support the college scholarships our program, in which we give six $500 awards to graduating seniors,” Deardorff continued. “The primary criterion for being awarded a scholarship is volunteerism, because we are a volunteer-based organization.”

To compete, students write an essay that describes their school and community volunteer efforts while they attend David Douglas High; good grades do also factor into the decision.

Meet three artisans

John Swenson shows off his line of “Soft Swords”.

Looking for a way to roughhouse but not cause injury? DDHS student John Swenson said he has the answer: his product called “Soft Swords”.

“They are padded play-swords for children of all ages,” pitches Swenson. “It’s an idea that’s been around for a while; I just took it and made it better. The ones in the stores last for about 30 minutes – but these are sturdy.”

Amie Griggs with her “family of snowmen”. “I’ve been making them for about three years. People seem to like them, and I enjoy making them.”

Joy Ginocchio and Doug Smith have a colorful selection of tie-dyed shirts on display. “We make these ourselves. I used to make them back in the 1980s,” Smith said. “We started making and selling them again last year, at Estacada Grower’s Market.”

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