Shopping extravaganza offered at the Spring Bazaar, March 22-24

2014 Bazaar
Shoppers speak to a vendor during a previous Spring Bazaar. This year, more than 70 vendors from all corners of Europe will bring their goods to Patch Barracks. Photo courtesy of Family and MWR

USAG Stuttgart Family & MWR               

More than 70 vendors will offer antiques, home décor, jewelry, artwork, cheese, wine, pottery and more in the Patch Fitness Center and a large fest tent on Husky Field at the community’s annual Spring Bazaar, March 22-24, on Patch Barracks. The Bazaar will be open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Harriet R. Tubman Order of the Eastern Star, a longtime private organization in the USAG Stuttgart community, along with Family & MWR, will host the Spring Bazaar. It was chosen as the contractor to handle the event planning so that the community benefits in a number of ways. For shoppers, the Spring Bazaar is all about getting those coveted collectibles from across Europe without ever having to leave Patch Barracks. For the greater Stuttgart military community, proceeds from the Bazaar are returned in the form of scholarships and donations. In the past, Harriet R. Tubman OES has awarded $10-17K per year to community members and organizations, paying childcare bills for lower enlisted families, sending care packages to deployed service members, organizing bus trips to Christmas markets and providing support to high school cheerleaders, sporting teams and the Girl Scouts.

Shoppers at the Spring Bazaar find the world at their doorstep with vendors from across Europe offering specialties and distinctive finds at the three day bazaar held in the Patch Fitness Center and a tent located on Husky Field. Photo by S. J. Grady

“We look forward to this new opportunity to provide an amazing shopping experience, but more importantly, to give back to the community. That’s what we do,” said Dee Dimond, president, Harriet R. Tubman OES. “We have over 70 vendors, some that have never attended Spring Bazaar, but also many of your favorite vendors from around Europe.”

In order for such a grand event with as many as 8,000 visitors to run smoothly, it requires a lot of support. Hundreds of volunteers help to construct the tent, mark vendor areas, and place tables and benches. Volunteers are needed from March 16-24 to work for set-up, crossing guards, parking attendants, and hospitality. Volunteers receive Red Carpet shopping opportunities from 9:30 am to 9:55am on March 22 before the Bazaar opens. Click hear and then click on “Spring Bazaar” for details.

The Bazaar will also feature private organizations offering a variety of cuisines with everything you can imagine from Filipino dishes and BBQ to crepes and corn chip pies.

The Bazaar is open to all valid military ID cardholders, NATO forces, civilians, and reservists with TDY orders. Shoppers may bring guests, but guests are not allowed to make purchases. Visa, MC, American Express and dollars are accepted. No pets allowed.

“Make sure you come out to the Spring Bazaar for a great time, a chance to shop and to support the community,” Dimond said.

For additional information, visit the “Stuttgart MWR Spring Bazaar hosted by Harriet R Tubman” Facebook page.

(Editor’s note: no federal endorsement of the sponsor or credit cards is implied.)