In 2023 Denise Busch learned that, unless a new director took over the Stayton Christmas and Craft Bazaar, there would be no event that year.
“I knew this was going to be the 50th year,” Busch said. “And I used to go to the bazaar. That’s why I grabbed it…”
Initially overseen by Ed Tabor, the bazaar was transferred to Hayli Librande in 2019. Then it experienced turbulence when, after having just taken over the operation, Librande was forced to close for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“She did it in 2022,” Busch recalled. Then decided to pass the event on.
“I made new banners and changed the sign and simplified it,” Busch said, referring to the new name, “The Stayton Holiday Bazaar.”
She also reached out to the North Santiam School District, negotiating a new facility-use agreement with Stayton Intermediate Middle School, where the event is held.
“Because I give all the money back to school groups in the area it’s no cost,” she said, listing the FFA, the Honors Society and the Oregon High School Equestrian Team as last year’s recipients. “It’s a student-motivated event.”
It’s also a student-run event. “The kids have to help,” she said. Which comes in handy because last year there were an estimated 750 shoppers.
“I think the one thing with the Stayton Bazaar is the sense of community,” Busch said. “People know each other.”
It’s an all-day event, opening on Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. and closing at 3:30 p.m. with three outdoor food trucks – Sip and Savor Coffee, Suzy’s Taqueria and Baked and Loaded Potatoes – and three indoor food vendors selling cakes, sourdough and quick breads.
“I’ve got everything,” Busch laughed, listing Christmas décor including resin products, woven items, woodworking projects, doll clothes, pottery and jewelry as examples of what shoppers will find inside the hallway, gym and cafeteria.
Stayton High School’s Associated Student Body will be erecting a Christmas tree forest for decoration by local businesses. The proceeds, collected through a voting process, will be contributed to a charity. “Last year the money went to Make a Wish,” Busch said.
“I think it’ll be great,” she added. “I just kept it alive.”
Stayton Holiday Bazaar
Stayton Intermediate Middle School
1021 Shaff Road
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free admission
66 vendors, three food trucks, a forest of
Christmas trees and Santa Claus
