Another delicious bazaar

Every year I look forward to the popular Big Timber Women's Club bazaar, which takes place on the first Saturday in November.

Vendors are smiling, customers are smiling, and everyone is just, well, happy.

Of course there are lots of artisan things to buy like handmade dolls' clothes (how about a kimono for your Barbie?), wooden cutting boards, and Christmas trees formed from barbed wire. But for me, it's the food.

Downstairs at the Legion you can buy homemade pie or a light lunch, which are fund-raisers for the Women's Club and St. Joseph's Church.

Jolie and her mom and grandmother (three generations of cooks--what a lucky family!) were at the bazaar again, selling Jolie's tasty lollies and grandma Sally's sweet-faced dolls.

Lucky early shoppers got to taste Windy Bakery fresh-from-the-kitchen scones, buckeyes, caramel rolls, and cheese bread.

The Friends of the Library were selling books as well as homemade cookies.

The Sons of Norway (who I am certain should be called the Daughters of Norway since I have never seen a Son at any public event; where are they hiding the guys??) had a table covered with lefse and Norwegian cookies. This year one member is sharing the secrets of making lefse through the adult education program at Sweet Grass High School (November 16, 6-9 pm).

Two new varieties of Tumblewood Teas are available this season: one flavored lightly with orange and another redolent of pear. Tumblewood Teas are always fresh, always tasty, and always so healthy. I like the clever names, too. (In case you're wondering, the shortbread bites are provided to cleanse your palate between tea tasting; there were plenty to taste at the bazaar.)

Since the bazaar is divided between the American Legion building and the Civic Center, shoppers must walk two blocks. Luckily, today was warm and sunny. (The area is expecting snow on Monday.) Even luckier, the kettle corn man was there to warm tummies with delicious popcorn.

Some nonedible items were tempting nonetheless. I have long enjoyed the "flavors" of Nature's Bliss soap (made in Bozeman). Today I bought a jar of Vanilla Sugar and Cinnamon Body Butter. Oh, so very nice on the skin, but I hope it doesn't drive me to craving cinnamon toast every time I use it. If you missed the bazaar, you can sample these products at the Gallatin Valley farmers market next summer.

And last, but certainly not least, is a new business called It's A Wrap, where you can order candy bars, bottles of water, and even dog biscuits wrapped in a customized label. Email Lisa in Big Timber at ljcberg@cablemt.net if you want to order something for a special occasion (or make a dull occasion special).

Is it coffee?

Look around and you'll see many non-edible items that are tempting to eat. This candle by Shannie looks and smells like the real thing, a glass mug brimming with the finest of coffee beverages.

And it's made from soy rather than petroleum products. Although soy is healthy, Shannie warns that the candle is not edible because of scents and other additives.

You can't eat any of her other soy-based products either, but I'd recommend you try them as cosmetics, especially if you are sensitive or allergic to commercial lotions and lip glosses. Shannie found herself in that position and carefully created products that she could use on her own skin.

The scent-free lotion absorbs easily into my skin, and the lip gloss is smooth and soft. I find it difficult to get used to a lip gloss with no taste because I enjoy trying ones made for kiddies and that smell like grape juice and bubble gum. But if you're all grown-up, you'll like Shannie's version.

I haven't tried the soap yet, but the Pink Rose Petal bar I bought is calling to me from the bathroom shelf where it is stored.

I sampled Shannie's products at the Spring Fling in Big Timber, a first-time event that promoters hope will become annual. Similar to the popular November Big Timber Women's Bazaar, vendors were selling a variety of handmade jewelry, felted items, handcrafted furniture, and -- of course! -- baked goods and other edibles.

To order any of Shannie's products, contact her at:

Country Bumpkins Candles

P.O. Box 603

Bridger, Mont. 59014

Cookie season begins

After the candy craze of Halloween, the more genteel cookie season takes off.

Today was the Big Timber Women's Bazaar, an annual event that draws crowds of vendors and customers from all over south central Montana . . . and where you can find plenty of cookies.

This bazaar is sponsored by and raises money for the Big Timber Woman's Club, a group of energetic women who support the community in many practical ways, such as awarding scholarships, building (with their own hands) a playground, and helping beautify the town.

Other organizations take advantage of the crowds and use it as their own fundraiser. St. Joseph's Catholic church, for example, makes a popular lunch, offering homemade soup and rolls and croissant sandwiches. There's also pie!

Throughout the bazaar, which fills two buildings, you'll see dozens of cookies: Norwegian, Russian tea cakes, ready for the freezer, made by kids, whimsical. I thought the most beautiful were a trayful that were available on the silent auction table. A local kindergarten teacher donated 12 dozen, to be made and delivered throughout the year. When I was there, the highest bid was $55. I'm sure the final bid will be much higher.

Of course there were many other food items.

Tumbleweed Teas

Jolie's Lollies

Windy Wheat Bakery

This being Montana, you could also find unique gifts such as painted shovels and Christmas trees formed out of barbed wire. And of
course . . . toys!

No doubt Santa found this bazaar a very useful place to shop today.