One of my favorite seasons has arrived. I don't celebrate fall, winter, spring and summer. I celebrate the seasons of football, bazaars, holidays, yard sales and gardening!

I've included a list of local bazaars and I hope you'll find time to visit a few of them. One of my favorites is the Trinity Lutheran bazaar that includes the annual pan sale. Pan sale? Yes, the school cooks buy their favorite baking pans and cooking utensils they use. If you haven't been to this sale, check it out. I plan to hit that one at 9 a.m. See details below.

Another favorite is the Potpourri Craft and Chocolate Affaire. It's a grand event and if you are craving chocolate, there's a wonderful selection of homemade desserts. The craft vendors are super, too. It starts tonight and wraps up Saturday at the Civic Center. I used to be involved several years ago when I was a member of Soroptimists.

And I would be probably excommunicated if I didn't mention the Candy Lane Bazaar. The Catholic Women's League of St. Paul's Catholic Church sponsors this extravangza that includes dozens and dozens of cookies. I joined the group this summer. It's always a great event. I do very little baking, but I scoop up plenty of cookies, candies and jellies for serving and giving!

Let me know what bazaars are a "must-see" for you and why.

Friday


NAMPA - Potpourri Craft & Chocolate Affaire: 6 p.m., Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S., Nampa. Free admission. Co-sponsored by Nampa Soroptimist Club; silent auction and raffle for nonprofits.



GREENLEAF - Country Christmas Bazaar: Held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 6 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Greenleaf Community Center, across the road from Greenleaf Friends Church near Highway 19. Find arts and crafts, furniture, food, service vendors and more.



NAMPA - Holiday Open House & Bazaar: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 11258 Shay Park Way, Carriage Hills in Nampa. Browse fantastic gifts.



CALDWELL - Simplot Employees Bazaar: Starts at 8 a.m. on Nov. 6 and 7, located on Highway 19, gate 1.


MERIDIAN - Tis the Season Holiday Bazaar: Starts at 9 a.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 7. Church of the Holy Nativity, 828 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian. Limited booths available.
For more information, call Gladys at 284-3736.

Saturday

MELBA - Annual Melba Holiday Bazaar: Starts at 9 a.m in the common areas of Melba High School. Find crafts, goodies and a raffle. Cinnamon rolls served early. Food starts at 10 a.m. with chicken and noodles, chili, scones and pies. 



MERIDIAN - 7th Annual Meridian Middle School Holiday Bazaar: Starts at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria of the school, located at 1507 W. 8th St., Meridian (entrances off Cherry Lane and 8th Street - follow the signs). More than 100 crafters and vendors with handcrafted items to include woodwork, jewelry, candles, home dcor, candies, hand sewn products, specialty and holiday items.

CALDWELL - Treasure Valley Disciple Women Christmas Bazaar: Starting at 9 a.m., this bazaar offers crafts and baked goods. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. which will include chili, sandwiches and pies for dessert. Vendor spaces are for rent for $20. The bazaar will be held at Treasure Valley Christian Church, 2915 S. Montana Ave., Caldwell. For more information, call 454-3596.


NAMPA - Southside Harvest Festival: The Southside United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Southside Boulevard and Lewis Lane in Nampa, will host a bazaar and country store from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring homemade food, crafts, antiques and more. Breakfast bar from 9 to 11:30 a.m., dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. followed by a silent auction. For more information, call 467-1087.



EAGLE - 32nd Annual Eagle Holiday Bazaar: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 7 and noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 8. Will be held at Eagle High School, 574 Park Lane. More than 130 crafters featuring handcrafted items, handpainted ornaments, floral, soaps, candles, quilts, fudge and the best cinnamon rolls around. $1 entrance fee benefits St. Luke's Children's Hospital and the Idaho Foodbank. For more information, visit eagleholidaybazaar.com.



NYSSA - Nyssa Eagles Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar: Starts at 9 a.m. at the Nyssa Eagles Lodge, located at 222 Bower Ave. in Nyssa. In addition to gift and craft vendors, two quilts will be raffled by the Eagles Auxiliary. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be delicious pies to satisfy your sweet tooth and free coffee.



NAMPA - 2009 NFCNAZ Holiday Bazaar: Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, located at 601 16th Ave. S. in Nampa, will host a holiday bazaar from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Scentsy, Mary Kay, Avon, Tastefully Simple, homemade arts and crafts, holiday items and homemade goodies. Vendors needed - Scentsy, Avon and Pampered Chef already spoken for. For more information, call Retah Franklin at 761-4170.



MERIDIAN - 2nd Annual Millennium Holiday Bazaar: Located at Mountain View High School, 2000 Millennium Way in Meridian. Starting at 9 a.m., find fun, food, arts and crafts, all to benefit the award-winning Millennium Dancers of Mountain View High School.

MERIDIAN - 7th Annual Meridian Middle School Holiday Bazaar: Located at Meridian Middle School building and cafeteria, 1507 W. 8th St. in Meridian. Entrances are off of Cherry Lane and 8th Street - follow the signs. More than 100 crafters and vendors with handcrafted items to include woodwork, jewelry, candles, home decor, candies, hand sewn products, specialty and holiday items. Come on out starting at 9 a.m.



HIDDEN SPRINGS - Bizarre Bazaar: 9 a.m., Dry Creek Mercantile, 5892 W. Hidden Springs Drive, Hidden Springs. Artisans gather to sell their unique wares; gifts for everyone, even you.



NAMPA - First United Methodist Church Bazaar: Held at the church, located at 2717 12th Ave. Road in Nampa. Arts and crafts and much more. For more information, call 467-1151.

NAMPA -Potpourri Craft & Chocolate Affaire: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S., Nampa. Free admission. Co-sponsored by Nampa Soroptimist Club; silent auction and raffle for nonprofits.



NAMPA - Trinity Lutheran Holiday Bazaar: Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8 S. Midland Blvd. in Nampa. Find homemade craft items, Scentsy candles, raffle items, baked goods, pan sale and lunch offered at reasonable prices.

Nov. 13

CALDWELL - 7th Annual Holiday Bazaar: Held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 14 at Autumn Wind Assisted Living, 200 W. Beech St. in Caldwell. Enjoy popcorn and hot cocoa while taking a break by our warm, inviting fireplace. Pick out one of a kind, hand crafted gifts from local crafters and artists. For more information, call Cheryl at 459-3335.



CALDWELL - Annual Senior Stitchers Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale Quilt Raffle: Held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 and 14 located at Leila Gohn, 2205 E. Linden in Caldwell. Raffle tickets cost $1 each or six for $5. Find Christmas items and NU-2-U country store, Mobile Estates Rec Hall.


ONTARIO - 2009 Holiday Boutique: Held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Ontario Holiday Inn. The Holiday Boutique event focuses on independent and home-based businesses. Items available include health and beauty products, food and kitchen products, portrait photography, scrapbooking supplies, home decor, handmade baskets and pottery, candles, tile and stone work, jewelry, handbags and purses and more. For more information, call Debbie at (541) 889-2021.


CALDWELL - Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m., O'Connor Field House, Caldwell. Unique crafts, vendors. $1 admission.

Nov. 14


HOMEDALE - Holiday Craft Sale: Starts at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Homedale. Will offer handmade crafts, baked goods and potato bar. For vendor information, call 250-3972 or 482-6893.


NAMPA - Christmas in the Country: Creative and unique arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, baby items, fresh baked breads and more. Starts at 10 a.m. at Country Greenhouse, located at 3880 S. McDermott Road.



CALDWELL - Canyon Hill Nazarene Ladies Church Bazaar: From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canyon Hill Church of the Nazarene, located at 903 N. Michigan in Caldwell. Find Christmas-crafted items, gift ideas, baked goods, candy, cookies, cakes, pies and more. There will be A New 2 You booth also. Hot cinnamon rolls, coffee and a soup lunch offered.



NAMPA - Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale: The First Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 55 S. Midland Blvd. in Nampa, will host a bazaar featuring handcrafted and homemade items. The bake sale features pumpkin logs. Sloppy Joes will be available for lunch.



NAMPA - Christian Faith Center Holiday Bazaar: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., find arts, crafts, baked goods and more. Still seeking vendors; booth fee is $20. Bazaar will be at Christian Faith Center, located at 31 S. Midland Blvd.



NAMPA - Candy Lane Bazaar: The annual Candy Lane Bazaar will be held 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1515 8th St S. Nampa. The bazaar features a wide variety of cookies - skip the baking - and candy for the holidays, as well as homemade jams, jellies and breads for gift giving. The Catholic Women's League sponsors the event, which also includes crafts, gift items and several raffle items. Don't forget the soup and pie luncheon. For more information, call Linda at 461-5699.

NAMPA - Holiday Craft Show: All are invited to shop for unique, hand-crafted items and homemade treats starting at 9 a.m. at Nampa Church of the Brethren, located at 11030 W. Orchard Ave. in Nampa.



NAMPA - Idaho Arts Charter 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Idaho Arts Charter School, 1220 5th St. N., Nampa. Enjoy great music and food along with unique gifts from a variety of vendors at Idaho Arts Charter School's holiday bazaar. Proceeds from table rentals go to our Senior Scholarship fund. If you are interested in renting table space, please contact Marie McGrath at 463-4324.

BOISE - Idaho Gourd Festival at Edwards Greenhouse: "The Secret Life of Gourds" 2009 Idaho Gourd Festival, an annual event of the Idaho Gourd Society is being held indoors at Edwards Greenhouse at 10 a.m. at 4106 Sand Creek St. in Boise off Hill Road. There will be gourd art from functional to cute and whimsical to exquisite fine art. Features include gourd art show and competition, gourd artists and growers, gourd vendors, demonstrations, tools, raffles and crafted and uncrafted gourds for sale. Free admission. Open to the public. For more information, visit idahogourdsociety.org.



Nov. 19


BOISE - Pioneer Title Company Holiday Craft Bazaar: Pioneer Title Company will be having their Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 19 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Pioneer Title Company, located at 8151 W. Rifleman St. in Boise.



Nov. 20


NAMPA - Canyon County Christmas Show: Find arts and craft, service vendors, unique gift items, food and concessions. Held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 21 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Idaho Center, 16200 Idaho Center Blvd. in Nampa. $3 general admission, $2 seniors, children 12 and younger free.

MERIDIAN - Christmas Bazaar: Meridian Assembly, located at 1830 N. Linder Road in Meridian, is hosting a Christmas Bazaar from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday Nov. 20 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Nov. 21. There will be many wonderful items to chose from, like handmade wearables, decorative items, and many "known name" products from Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Cookie Lee Jewelery and Stampin UP. Also, there will be drawings for lots of items.

Nov. 21

BRUNEAU - Bruneau Cowboy Christmas: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22 in downtown Bruneau. Find western art, cowboy photography, crafts, home decor, furniture and homemade goodies, handtooled leather, handcrafted jewelry and silver, western apparel, accessories, hats, boots, tack and books. Breakfast and lunch will be served in the Cowboy Cafe, featuring homemade chili, stew, soup, cornbread and goodies. Cowboy Church starts at 8:20 a.m. Sunday; Santa often comes by to see the kids.



MIDDLETON - Middleton United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar: Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Middleton United Methodist Church, 104 E. Main St. in Middleton. There will be a baked potato lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $5. For more information, call 585-6621 or 571-3474.



NAMPA - Lakevue Elementary PTO Bazaar: Lakevue Elementary's 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar features handcrafted arts and crafts along with a mix of new products. We have more than 20 vendors offering a fun shopping experience. Open to the public. Baked goods and lunch are offered. Keep your eyes open for a possible Santa sighting! Starting at 9 a.m. at the school, located at 12843 Cirrus Drive in Nampa.
 For more information, call Kris at 860-5405.



Dec. 5


NAMPA - Annual Silvercrest Bazaar: Starting at 8 a.m., shop at 26 tables and enjoy coffee and cinnamon rolls, baked goodies, jewelry, decorations, needlework, aprons and more. Located at Silvercrest Clubhouse, 1907 W. Flamingo Ave. in Nampa.

KUNA - Down Home Country Christmas: From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., this event offers gifts, crafts, novelties, entertainment and more. Find Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., see a parade starting at 6 p.m. and a live auction at 7 p.m. for decorated trees, wreaths and gift baskets. Town businesses offers special deals. Fifty percent of proceeds benefit the Kuna Food Bank.



Dec. 11

NAMPA - Nampa High School Bazaar: Sponsored by Nampa High School Football Boosters, the NHS bazaar will include musical presentations, baked goods and vendors. The bazaar starts at 6 p.m. and will benefit the Bowl Field of Dreams turf project.



Dec. 12


NAMPA - 5th Annual Sage Valley Bazaar: Starts at 8 a.m. at Sage Valley Middle School, located at 18070 Santa Anna Ave. in Nampa. Last minute gifts aplenty.

Dec. 19


BOISE - Rocky Mountain Craft Show/Vendor Blender: Held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, located at 3300 Vista Ave. in Boise. The bazaar will host more than 25 different vendors with all types of unique gifts for holiday shoppers.