Spring Bazaar plans 2022 return
1 Story & photos by Joel Wasko
FMWR Marketing We saw the return of many beloved events in 2021; however, one stood out in particular… The Spring Bazaar, known in USAG Stuttgart as being the largest annual shopping extravaganza in the community, and hosted by the private organization Harriet R Tubman Chapter #190 OES in partnership with Stuttgart Family & MWR. The shopping experience spans four days, is attended by as many as 90 European vendors, and receives thousands of visitors to shop for unique merchandise from all across Europe. The excitement is difficult to ignore from the time you walk into the spacious tent. The delicious scents of international foods unfold as you pass by the chocolate, cheese, wine and Belgian beer stands. People indulge with free samples of English Cheddar cheeses and steamed puddings from Little Box Kitchen, or a little Projito from Sant’
Antonino. The shopping buzz continues as people try on dirndls and lederhosen, choose the perfect décor for their home, or pick out the perfect gifts for their family or friends envied as uniquely European by most. For vendors like Ashley Wintjens and Etienne HM Wolters from Wolters Antiques, it is an event they have looked forward to for the past 8 years. They travel from Maastricht, Netherlands and bring along their fourth generation antique business, which has also evolved into custom building of many furniture pieces. A new sofa custom built for the military community, which moves so frequently, will be presented at the next Spring Bazaar by Wolters Antiques. “Stuttgart is a very good bazaar, one of the best and one of our favorite in Europe,” said Ashley Wintjens. Bringing back this favorite event was undeniably challenging. In March 2020, the Stuttgart community watched as the tent was raised and vendors set up their stands for eager shoppers. However,
the shopping event never came to fruition. It was canceled one day before the event was to start due to COVID-19. As the unrelenting uncertainty continued in 2020 and 2021, event planners dealt with the ever-present realization that large events might get canceled, yet that did not deter planners from moving forward. The Spring Bazaar date was moved from its usual March timeframe to May with the intent of reducing risk and awaiting vaccinations to become available. The calculation worked and the Spring Bazaar 2021 was successfully executed for all in the USAG Stuttgart community to enjoy, albeit with mitigation measures including online appointments for 1 hour sessions, masks, and social distancing. Nevertheless, the event sales were as strong as ever, but more importantly the smiles on the faces of people at the event were back, genuine and very much needed. The planning for Spring Bazaar 2022 is underway. A majority of vendors have already registered. The tent company is prepared to set up their fest
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Patrons check out the 2021 Spring Bazar.
The Harriet R. Tubman chapter #109 OES who cohosts the event. Courtesy photo
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Antiques and handcrafted wares are just some of the items you can find at the Bazaar.
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1st Quarter 2022
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A business woman shows off some of the wine she is selling.
