feature story / 35 Elizabeth Sarkisian works with Stu- dio B to recruit, select and coordinate the vendors. She’s been a vital member of the Bizarre Bazaar team since the event’s inception in 2013. “We take great care to make sure there is some- thing for everyone,” she says. A suc- cessful bazaar, she explains, includes a well-rounded, unique group of sellers, in all genres and at all price points. Kari Capone has been a repeat ven- dor for the last four years. She creates one-of-a-kind knitted and crocheted winter accessories using natural fibers, such as wool, alpaca, silk and cashmere. She says she knew she wanted to be a part of the action when she attended the first year of the bazaar as a shopper. “All ‘my people’ attend the BB,” Capone says. “My target customers and my favorite friends and people overlap to create the BB attendees.” Capone said she no longer partici- pates in other fairs because the Bizarre Bazaar “is right here in my back yard! [It] is better curated, highly anticipat- ed, and selective,” she says. “It’s basi- cally nonstop sales. It’s the best sales day of my year.” And, according to Turner Hall, ev- eryone knows it’s a good time. “The bazaar is a highly-attended, well-cu- rated event with a charming holiday atmosphere to boot,” she says. The Bizarre Bazaar mascot con- tributes to that holiday cheer. Crafted by Thompson and Turner Hall, the Snowman is friendly, nondenomina- tional, and willing to pose in pictures for $5 a shot. “Our vendors pay for their tables, but we don’t take any percentage of their sales, and we don’t charge admis- sion,” Thompson explains. “The event does cost us money to produce, so the Snowman was a great way to offset some expenses and make a visual as- pect to the show.”  The Maplewood Office of Cultural Affairs, Fringe Salon and the Able Bak- er sponsor this year’s event, and both Able Baker and Cedar Ridge Bakery and Café will be selling food. Thompson says the day is filled with amazing exchanges. “You get your photo taken with an adorable snowman,” she says. “You grab a cof- Studio B's mascot, the Snowman, is more than happy to pose for pictures. The Bizarre Bazaar features a well-rounded, unique group of sellers in all genres and at all price points. from the Season’s Greetings Baker Street Merchants Geralyn’s Art Studio +Gallery 103 Toy Division Maplewood Karate Maplewood Cleaners Baker Street Yoga Greens Indoor Golf+Cafe Bee+Thistle Brave Floral Beacon Jewelers A PAPER HAT art +design supply TRULY YOURS MEUS Maplewood Ave baker st @shauna_cagan