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***image1***Family friendly is one of the goals of the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Holiday Bazaar to take place Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at the Special Events Center on Rhine Ordnance Barracks.
“We want to conduct these bazaars as family friendly as possible,” said Gudrun Schuler-Heilman, the garrison’s FMWR financial management chief, who has been organizing bazaars for more than 15 years.
She cites wide walk ways for strollers and a large tent with tables and benches outside the bazaar for eating or just resting. Also outside for families are a carousel, bouncy castle and petting zoo, which are all free.
Since the first day of the bazaar falls on Halloween, candy and treats will be given out to all trick-or-treaters, Ms. Schuler-Heilman said.
About 100 international vendors will be at this year’s holiday bazaar.
“They will be selling a variety of European goods – typically those items that Europe-stationed servicemembers like to take back home, such as jewelry, porcelain, rugs, antiques, heavy Belgium furniture, oil and military paintings, cutlery, pots and pans, purses, gloves, Christmas decorations, pewter … ” said Ms. Schuler-Heilman, who added that there will be more items available at the bazaar.
Garrison bazaars – six throughout the year – are sponsored by Family Morale Welfare and Recreation, which means proceeds generated go back into the directorate’s budget.
These proceeds are used as reinvestments into FMWR facilities and programs – many of which fall under the Army Family Covenant, Ms. Schuler-Heilman said.
The Army Family Covenant is a pledge from Army leadership to Soldiers and their families that they deserve a quality of life equal to their service to their country.
New facilities are the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, completion of the Landstuhl library – the first Army library in Europe to have live Wi-Fi (wireless Internet), and Java Café constructed on Rhine Ordnance Barracks. New or improved programs are hourly care for doctor’s appointments provided by garrison Child Development Centers, first Exceptional Family Member Program summer camp for special needs children, and child and youth services’ discounts and activities.
There is not a set number of how many volunteers are needed for garrison bazaars, said Billie Burgard, the garrison’s FMWR budget assistant, who has been in charge of bazaar volunteers for about five years.
“We announce the bazaar, and honor the volunteer requests as they come in,” said Ms. Burgard, who added that about 10 volunteers are needed each day and about 30 are needed to help tear down the event.
Volunteers can help vendors at their booths, operate credit card machines, assist with cash collection and checking ID cards.
Hours are: Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is open to all U.S. and NATO ID card holders, and shoppers must present proper identification at the entrance.
