The Great Goodland Holiday Bazaar

The 16th Annual Holiday Bazaar in Goodland took place this past weekend, on November 15th and 16th at MarGood Harbor Park.

“Twenty-seven new and returning vendors took part in the event this year,” said event organizer Sheri Morrison, sharing how pleased she was with the turnout and the steady flow of shoppers.

Great weather, good food, and live music accompanied the shoppers while they filled their arms with one-of-a-kind goods, fine crafts, and unique must-haves. Every item that was available to shoppers was handmade, making them a memorable gift for the holidays, an addition to a personal collection, or a new favorite accent in the home.

Returning vendor, Nautical Designs by Timothy, proudly showcased his sailboat art made of driftwood and string and enjoyed discussing his process. “I’ve been doing this since 1972,” he said. Finding a cache of driftwood in Lake Erie over the past summer, he used most of it for the work displayed at the event, going on to say how hard driftwood is becoming to find. Between 150-200 yards of string make up the medium-sized pieces, “The biggest one I ever did had three miles of string on it!”

Swamp Wood Creative Designs displayed their combo wood and resin bowls and vases, “Hurricane Irma was the start.” He retired and taught himself how to make bowls and tables. When he had little pieces that he didn’t want to throw away, he then taught himself how to add the resin. Glenn Pace’s biggest fan and wife, Donna, happily went through the lengthy and step-filled process, noting that he uses local wood, including black mangrove and cypress.

Mother and Daughter duo, Joyce and Bailey of Terri Rae Gifts, chatted with shoppers as first-time vendors selling their 3D-printed artwork, ornaments, coasters, and more. “We have been doing a lot of commercial jobs, but Bailey really enjoys printing all the other things,” said Joyce as she motioned to the colorful display of animals, keychains, loom bracelet art, and even a Baby Groot. “Bailey has a learning disability, and the purpose of our business is that I want her to know that she has an unlimited potential of success.”

As you perused the tents, you were sure to find that special something for the one person on your list who is impossible to shop for. Jewelry, pottery, artwork, handbags, shell crafts, holiday accents, furniture, and even local flowers encased into a bookmark made for yet another successful and memorable Holiday Bazaar.