Christmas Bazaar and Little Shoppers in Basin Saturday

The Basin Area Chamber’s annual Christmas Bazaar and Little Shoppers is Saturday at the fairgrounds in Basin.  

Charlene Anderson and Becky Pistulka started the event approximately 25 years ago when they were on the board. The first one was held in the Girl-Boy Scout building where the jail is now located. It quickly outgrew that space and was moved to the main hall at the fairgrounds. 

Anderson said they thought it would be a good community event for families. Not only could parents shop, but the kids could, also. 

The Little Shoppers portion of the event runs from 9 a.m. – noon. Children 10 and under may shop for up to 10 gifts for a dollar per gift. 

The Paintrock and Greybull FFA members have been “elves” for a few years. They help the children shop and wrap gifts as adults aren’t allowed to come into that portion of the hall. It is important that kids come with their gift tags already filled out.  This saves everyone time. Additional volunteers to help are always welcome. Basin Market loans milk crates for the kids to use as they shop. 

For years Cys Sylvester is the head elf for Little Shoppers. She stands at the entrance and matches kids with a volunteer if they need help. Organizers of the event say she isn’t allowed to retire. 

After shopping, the children are treated to a free hot dog and hot chocolate from B&B Concessions. The same items plus coffee and donuts will be available for purchase by vendors and shoppers. 

While the children are shopping, the adults are free to shop at the vendors.  Items such as local honey, kettle korn, knit blankets, jewelry, baby blankets, stackable canning crates, custom artwork, canned jams, candy, baked goods and wood crafts will be sold. The bazaar runs from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.