On Dec. 6, tables filled the hub of Mountlake Terrace High School, preparing for the Saturday market. This market has been an annual tradition for the community and a fundraiser for the school. A variety of vendors snatch up the chance to advertise their businesses and sell their goods to the larger Mountlake Terrace community. Alongside them, clubs and ASB groups provide the fruits of their labor in support of their organizations. The doors to the school were open to the public from 9 AM to 4 PM, giving them a proper opportunity to explore the stands, listen to the band program, purchase concessions and experience the arts. It’s a perfect place to find a variety of gifts for family and friends, no matter who the gift is for. The Holiday Bazaar paints the hub with holiday cheer and offers the community a chance to gather. The market itself is a joyous experience. Visitors walked away with bags of gifts to share, full stomachs and a smile on their faces. As the week went on, other communities hosted similar events where vendors got the chance to show their goods more than once. While there is a table fee for participating as a vendor, it’s always worth it. The Girls Who Code club distributed the many forms of their ducks, advertising around in a duck onesie. Next to them was the Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club with handmade blankets and plenty of Christmas spirit. Shoppers happily conversed with the different stands to learn more, sharing stories while laughing with people who weren’t such strangers.

There’s a reason that the Holiday Bazaar is such a loved tradition here at Terrace. The event is perfect for individuals of all ages, with face-painting and concessions alongside the variety of artisans occupying the halls. Even though it’s only early December, the sights and smells send shoppers straight into Christmas memories with lovely scented candles and skillfully crafted wreaths. While it’s plenty of fun for the shoppers, vendors get the opportunity to laugh and converse with each other during set-up and tear-down. Students fondly look back at memories from past years, no matter how stressful it may have been in the moment. Expertly coming up with different advertising strategies to get more people at their booths, including drawing on their foreheads. It’s not something anyone would want to miss, so any chance that pops up, make sure to stop by. There’s a special feeling at holiday markets that can’t be captured anywhere else. The Holiday Bazaar is the perfect chance to support local artisans while supporting personal needs (like a sweet treat, totally deserved!).