Edwards AFB News

Edwards Enlisted Spouses Club kicks off holiday shopping with Mistletoe Bazaar

  • Published
  • By Kenji Thuloweit
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  When Heather Urban looked over the crowd of shoppers that packed the Mistletoe Bazaar Nov. 16 at Club Muroc, she saw college scholarships.

Edwards residents got an early start to their holiday shopping at this one-stop shopping event, and the Edwards Enlisted Spouses Club - who sponsored the bazaar - took in enough money to completely fund the scholarships it hopes to award this year, said Mrs. Urban, president of the ESC.

About 50 vendors displayed their wares, and countless customers packed Club Muroc's Alliance Ballroom to check out wood crafts, handmade jewelry, quilts, paper crafts, ornaments and sewn pieces, among numerous other items.

The bazaar also featured one-of-a-kind handmade items and unique gifts from Antelope Valley vendors.

Edwards ESC is a non-profit organization that gives its proceeds to base community and family projects. The money can also go to scholarships and base school programs.

"Anytime an Airman or their family is in need, or if a base function needs donations, we're always there to help," Mrs. Urban said.

She said the Mistletoe Bazaar is a fun way to raise funds for the community.

"Personally, I love shopping, it's awesome, and I can do a lot of it in one space," Mrs. Urban said.

Kristen Minor, ESC secretary and co-chairwoman of the Mistletoe Bazaar, said the once-a-year annual sale is the biggest fundraiser for the ESC. She echoed the statement that it was an exciting event to help raise money.

"My favorite part of the event is looking at all the different crafts the vendors have brought in and doing some shopping. We have new vendors and old vendors, so seeing everyone again and catching up is the best part," said Mrs. Minor.

Although the Mistletoe Bazaar's theme was to buy things for others, as sometimes happens with many holiday shoppers, the urge to get something for themselves can be too strong.

"I'm here shopping for myself basically," said Tracy Watkins, housewife and shopper. "But if I see something that catches my eye, I'll definitely pick it up (for someone else)."

Mrs. Minor said the bazaar has been going on for at least 25 years. It used to be so large that it was a two-day event, but the ESC has managed to squeeze it down to a nine-hour day. She said the ESC has worked very hard this year to pull the bazaar off.

"Aimee Antonio really planned everything and put it together. The rest of the ESC has been working really hard to make this day successful for everybody," Mrs. Minor said.

Any spouse of an enlisted Air Force member, male or female, can join the ESC.

The club meets on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The club operates the Creative Treasures Gift Shop located next to the Children's Library. Many of the vendors that were at the bazaar are also Created Treasure vendors so if people missed the bazaar they can come by the shop and check out the merchandise.

For more information, call 277-9399 or visit the club on Facebook, just type Edwards AFB Enlisted Spouses Club in the search bar.