FMS hosts first Holiday Bazaar
Farragut Middle School opened its doors to the public for its first Holiday Bazaar.
The event, which took place in the school Saturday, Dec. 10, was a fundraising effort led by FMS Parent Teacher Student Association.
Forty-six vendors, a mix of artisans, boutique-style vendors and several other local vendors had booths at the event, and shoppers also could find something in the 74 items of a silent auction.
“We just came to get together and support the school,” Amy Weller of Farragut said.
“I came with my daughter,” Elizabeth Collins said. “It’s very nice.”
“There’s really cool stuff,” FMS eighth-grader Annalise Smith said.
“I think it’s nice they did this,” Barbara Davies of Farragut said. “They did a good job of bringing people here.”
“We just been going to a lot of craft fairs and getting Christmas gifts,” Laura Mitchell, a Farragut Primary School teacher, said. “We would rather shop local and get more personal gifts.”
“I teach in Claiborne County Schools, so I know it’s important to have a PTO that is supportive,” Jackie Funk, who sold jewelry designs for Bella J. Designs, at the bazaar.
“Farragut Middle School doesn’t really have a big fundraiser like the other schools,” Stephanie Nelson, who co-chaired the event with Amy Bush, said. “So, this was our chance to see if we could bring in a bigger fundraiser to help the middle school.
“We wanted to do something that would benefit the school and be open to the community.
“We felt this area didn’t have a lot of craft fair opportunities, but we didn’t call it a craft fair because we didn’t want to limit ourselves,” she said.
“This would be a different way to showcase local artisans and be a great fundraiser for the school,” Nelson said. “We’re hoping to raise $4,000 to $5,000.”
”But really, as a new event, we’re happy to make anything we can,” Bush said.
“We asked vendors to donate an item as part of their vendor fees,” Nelson said. “We also reached out to local businesses, so there is a mix.”
“It’s very unique,” Judy Botz, who came from Pennsylvania to visit her daughter. “I never ran into anything like this.”
“I think it’s a great way to highlight the vendors and support the school,” attendee Audrey Ginel, said.
“I think it’s great,” Loralee Bryant Silent said.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been. I can get some handmade gifts for friends and family.”
