By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Joanne Watson, left, with help from Norma Urban sold Christmas ornaments, wrapping and other decorations at the Moapa Valley Senior Citizen Center Holiday Bazaar on Saturday. Photo by Mike Donahue.

The Moapa Valley Senior Citizen Center was a beehive of commerce last weekend when vendors filled the dining/recreation room covering table after table with merchandise for the Annual Fall Bazaar and Fund-Raiser.

The center at 325 Cooper St. has been open for only about 2½ years, but local seniors and snowbirds have been having the bazaar for more than a quarter of a century, said Chris Trombley, director. This was an outstanding year.

“I am really pleased with the variety of goods and merchandise the vendors are selling this year,” she said. “I like to say the bazaar has something for everyone and this year I think it’s really true.”

Trombley said some 12 vendors purchased space on 14 tables literally filling the dining hall with products. Items for sale included tools, jewelry, books, handmade toys, Willowware dishes, knitted caps, potholders, purses and even Christmas ornaments and other decorations.

As usual, a table filled with delicious homemade candy and baked goods that included cakes, breads, brownies, pies and cookies prepared by members of the center quickly sold out.

Another nearby table was loaded with senior-made products that included hand-stitched and knitted items as well as cups and other things produced in the senior center’s ceramics room. A set of attractive cups that were rushed through production the night before the bazaar was still warm from the kiln.

In a true sign of the times, Sandy VanValkenburg out of Boulder, WY, was selling purses, beach bags, tote bags and other items she crocheted out of recycled plastic grocery and produce bags.

Each recycled bag had to be sliced into strips to make the plastic thread which was then carefully turned into eco-friendly products.

Trombley said she hopes the wonderful response this year can help be the basis for another successful bazaar next year.