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It’s almost time again for the 48th annual Ramstein Welfare Bazaar.
“We are geared up and ready to go to make this the best bazaar Ramstein has ever seen,” said Trish Dotson, president of the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses Club. “We are bringing Europe to you.”
The largest military bazaar takes place from Thursday to Sept. 16. Currently, volunteers are busy getting the hangers ready and the giant tent is being set up. Soon, all the fabulous goods from around the world will arrive.
Maybe you’ve shopped at the Ramstein Welfare Bazaar before, or maybe you’ve just PSCd in and don’t know what it’s all about. For starters, the bazaar is a great opportunity to shop the best of Europe without leaving Germany. More than 140 vendors will be present selling beautiful antique furniture, rugs, crystal, wine, pottery, cheese, home decor, leather goods, toys and much more. There will be 18 new vendors this year with stunning merchandise to share.
By shopping you can help “pay it forward.” In 2011, the bazaar raised more than $270,000. Have you wondered where all of this money goes? One-hundred percent of the proceeds are returned to the military community in the form of scholarships, welfare grants and charitable donations managed by the ROSC Welfare Committee.
Some of the donations ROSC gave out this year include: $60,000 in grants and scholarships to high school seniors, university students and military spouses; $78,500 to Department of Defense Dependents Schools; $17,900 to the Boy and Girl Scouts; and $145,000 to the KMC Booster Clubs.
Since the Ramstein Welfare Bazaar’s inception, it has raised millions of dollars for the KMC; more than $1.75 million has been raised and given back over the past six years.
No trip to the bazaar would be complete without trying some of the fantastic food. Bring the family, and when you are simply too tired from walking and shopping, take a break in the food vendor area. There will be culinary delights for all taste buds, refreshing beverages and a place to rest your feet. With more than 25 different food vendors, you are bound to find some tasty treats. Delicious treats and meals will be served by various non-profit organizations from base. Food vendors’ profits go directly back to their organizations.
And don’t miss your chance to win some great prizes. There will be a public drawing for prizes donated by vendors. Tickets can be purchased in the giant tent.
The Ramstein Welfare Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Sept. 15 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 in Hangers 1 and 2 and in the Giant Tent. Entrance is open to U.S. or NATO Forces ID cardholders.
To get to the bazaar, follow event signs toward the flight line. Stroller days will be held Thursday to Sept. 14. A “Kinder Korner,” or child’s corner, will also be available for parents. No pets are allowed at the bazaar. Volunteers are still needed; sign up online at www.RamsteinBazaar.org or “like” us on Facebook.
