The Mountain View Senior Center transformed into its annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday. Families, students, and seniors stopped by to browse a variety of booths and enjoy a festive day filled with shopping, music, and holiday spirit.
Community members were greeted with treats, including apple cider and free cookies upon arrival. A bright red background with a “Happy Holidays” banner invited families to stop and take pictures before moving into the market.
This year’s Holiday Bazaar featured three rooms full of various booths and stands. Each booth had its own unique collection of jewelry, plants, artwork, and more. Outside, a taco truck served fresh meals to attendees, accompanied by a sunny courtyard where they could sit and enjoy.
Mary Henry, an artist and multi-media craft maker, had a large selection of items, ranging from purses and crocheted creations to hand-painted wood pieces and clay ornaments. This was her second year as a vendor at the market. “It is a very manageable event. Everyone is really helpful,” she said. “I am constantly creating things, so it gives me a great opportunity to move them through at a very reasonable price.”
Music played a large part in the bazaar, with four groups performing throughout the day. The Peninsulaires Chorus opened the lineup, followed by Stanford Musical Theater. Then, a band from Mountain View High School—Izzy and the Dyzzy Lyzards—performed. The MVLA Chorus wrapped up the musical performances with a collection of festive hits.
“I really loved getting to connect with the audience and show our little music with whoever wanted to come have fun,” performer Saumya Anand said. “I’m in the thick of a college audition process right now, so this is so nice to just get to have a very low-key, no stakes, fun time just singing songs with my friends.”
The Holiday Bazaar has become a tradition that many vendors look forward to each year. Jewelry maker and three-year vendor Pam Randall enjoys the social aspect. “For me, it’s meeting the people. I see a lot of my friends that come here, and they come to visit, and then I meet a lot of new people and chit chat,” she said. “The people that work here are really helpful and kind.”
Attendees appreciated the cozy feel of the bazaar. Aside from her music performance, Anand enjoyed browsing the booths with her family after her set. “I searched what [the bazaar] was, and I was like ‘Oh my gosh, how have I never heard of this? This is so cute,’” Anand said.
The Holiday Bazaar remains an eagerly anticipated event every year. The variety of booths, festive music, and community bond contributed to the upcoming holiday spirit. Many guests already plan on returning next year.
