Several cultural artifacts and traditions define the holiday season. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at noses and… merchandising!

Nowhere was this seasonal practice more prevalent than at Niobrara County Christmas Bazaar on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Niobrara County Homemakers, this annual event provides local vendors with the opportunity to display and sell their wares at the local Fairgrounds. The Bazaar is the Homemakers’ largest fundraiser, generating revenue to be allocated to various areas of community needs.

Of the Homemakers’ charitable contributions, Secretary and Bazaar Chairwoman Donna Hanson said, “The homemakers give back to the community through the Christmas Spirit baskets, contributing to the school breakfast program, doing the jewelry project at the elementary school, contributing to 4Hers and their trips, and giving to numerous other community events.”

This year’s Bazaar saw many returning vendors. Among them was Beth Hessler, the founder of Middle of Nowhere Customs. Hessler’s signature laser engraving was on display on a variety of items, including coffee cups, tumblers, and water bottles. Another familiar face was Tamara Eitel, who boasted a wide assortment of wash cloths, towels, and freeze-dried candies.

Of course, returning vendors brought returning clientele who were eager to purchase more of the memorable merchandise that they procured from past Bazaars. Among those familiar products were Roxanne Fish’s upcycled gifts. Fish specializes in making jewelry and decorative signs from discarded items, such as old silverware, keys, and wood signs.

“I’ve always thought, ‘Oh, I could make something out of that.’” Fish said. “It was just a hobby. I would make things, and I eventually decided to start selling them.”

In 2014, Fish’s casual hobby became Fishy Finds, a business specializing in repurposed wares. Fishy Finds has participated in the Bazaar for the last five-years. In that time, Fish has drawn a devoted group of regular patrons.

“It’s been pretty steady because I have such a variety of items,” Fish said. “It’s easier for people to find things they like when you have different things that you’re selling.”

While Fish and the other aforementioned vendor constituted solo acts, there were also some team-operated businesses among the vendors. One of those team efforts was Rawhide Fabrication, which is owned and operated by Wesley and Stephanie Vetter. Rawhide Fabrication specializes in metal fabrication and art. According to Wesley, his interest in fashioning metal artwork began when his daughter started attending a shop course taught by Joseph Martinez at Niobrara County High School.

“She [Wesley’s daughter] came home with some stuff,” said Wesley. “I thought it was pretty neat. I liked how clean and precise it was. So, we bought a little laser engraver, and we did alright with that. So, we bought a big laser engraver. One of the things we started engraving was cattle tags. Both my wife and I grew up with cattle. We enjoy doing the cattle tags. It’s a good seller for us.”

Wesley stated that Rawhide Fabrications is especially appealing to those who have an affinity for the Great American West.

“We always try to cater to the Western side of people,” Wesley said. “People seem to like it a lot.”

Another duo was Jean Zerbe and Wendi Holt, Zerbe’s Prairie Creations, LLC, who offered attendees a variety of homemade lotions and other items. Both businesswomen were pleased with this year’s response.

“We did good,” Zerbe said.

Zerbe and Holt weren’t the only ones who did good. According to Hanson, the Homemakers didn’t do too shabby either.

“I haven’t totaled the money yet, but let’s just say we’ve made over a thousand dollars,” said Hanson. “I felt the shopping was about like usual. We had bazaar bingo this year, which was fun. The weather was great. We had a nice variety of items to choose from.”

As for the overall atmosphere, Hanson felt that Bazaar had managed to capture a little bit of the Christmas spirit.

  “Everyone seemed in a great holiday mood and enjoyed themselves,” Hanson said. “We are very reasonable for what we chare our vendors. We pay for the use of the Niobrara County Fairgrounds for the Bazaar.”

Those who wish to learn more about the Niobrara County Homemakers can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/niobraracountyhomemakers.