Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Revenues from the annual Bath Holiday Bazaar topped $8,000 this year, offering a major boost for programming and equipment to help students within the village.
For years, the bazaar was a much-anticipated event at Sandhurst Public School. When the school closed in 2011 and some of its students moved east to Bath Public School, the tradition went with them. Jacqueline Cote, a former student at Sandhurst and an avid bazaar goer herself has been leading the organizing committee since 2014. One of her big innovations the next year was bringing Santa Claus to town.
Annually, the jolly elf has been greeted by an elaborate set-up from parent volunteer Misty Trotter, who is a wedding designer. Photographer Gerald McGrath also gives his time and donates the proceeds from his photography back to the school.
Also for the past three years, Cote has had the staff room transformed into a craft room for children to decorate cookies and crafts, while parent council treasurer Shawna Greyling runs a cafe with hot lunch offerings and baked goods donated by parents.
The school also provides a great setting for more than 75 vendors — and they come from near and far to offer their wares to the Bath crowd. Some have come from as far away as Cobourg, Ottawa, and Cornwall. A few of the exhibitors have been in the Toronto One-Of-A-Kind Show. Community groups have also been invited to participate and raise money for their own causes.
A silent auction and raffle has also been a big fundraiser with thousands of dollars in donated prizes to be won.
“Each year, the silent auction gets bigger and bigger,” Cote said.
Through money raised at the bazaar — which has grown from generating about $1,000 each year to over $8,000 — the school has been able to purchase a new play structure, Smart boards, Google Chromebooks, gym equipment, and special furniture supporting student needs. Money has also been set aside for field trip busin, healthy snacks, and guest speakers.
Vice-principal April Bell-Asselstine said the event was a huge success this year.
“Smiles can be seen throughout the day as children sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wish list, to making Christmas crafts and decorating,” she said. “Parents, staff, and the community appreciate the amazing selection of items to purchase.”
Bell-Asselstine said the School Advisory Council deserves credit for its efforts.
“This year’s event was again packed with excitement. We can’t thank our School Advisory Council and their families enough for all of the time and hard work that goes into this marvellous event. Over $8,000 raised, that says it all. Incredible!”
Cote credited her committee members and volunteers for the event’s success.