Amanda Davidson
Special to the Sun

A variety of holiday fund-raisers happened around the valley this past Saturday, Dec. 6. The Eagles Aerie in Mt. Mesa hosted their Peddlers’ Faire, a Christmas Craft Bazaar was held at the Moose Lodge in Lake Isabella, and the Kern River Valley Woman’s Club Holiday Spectacular took place at Mountain View Baptist Church in Lake Isabella.

The Peddlers’ Faire was organized by co-chairs Jo Davis and Voni Girch. They started planning for this year’s event right after last year’s, Davis said. She attributes the success of this faire to increased advertising and planning, with the goal to “raise money for the auxiliary and have fun.” All of the vendors agreed that this faire was the best attended yet.

Colt Johnston, owner of Animal House Dog Grooming in Wofford Heights, poses with his pet grooming-themed Christmas tree at the Kern River Valley Woman’s Club ninth annual Holiday Spectacular at Mountain View Baptist Church in Lake Isabella Saturday. Partner Brandon Dragoo assisted with the tree decorating.

Baked goods, jewelry, handicrafts and great gifts abounded at the Peddlers’ Faire. Gourd artist Gay Sheull exhibited her breathtaking wares at the entrance. Sheull uses dyes and inks to enhance the natural beauty of the gourds. She has been producing her unique items for “eight or nine years.” Inside, vendor Donna Culpepper displayed her handmade Father Christmas dolls. These beautifully crafted figures portray a variety of individual personalities, such as a hunter, a soldier and a fireman. Culpepper creates every detail, from the clothing to the realistic accessories they hold. Barbara Andrade, an Herbalife consultant and personal fitness coach, offered shoppers the opportunity to create their own spa gift baskets. Photographs, gems and stones and hand painted yard art were among the other items available. Out back, the rummage sale boasted bargains for all, making for a well rounded sale.

At the Moose Lodge in Lake Isabella, Earleen Dillard organized the first annual Christmas Craft Bazaar. Artists and crafters displayed their work in the dining hall. Though only a handful of vendors were present, Dillard is planning a similar happening for April, and hopes to see the Christmas Bazaar become an annual event. Artist and writer Ina Goodling of Bakersfield made her first trip to the Kern River Valley to participate. She has been writing and painting for as long as she can remember, finding inspiration in nature. She often paints on natural items such as rocks and leaves. Goodling has published two books, Emoceans and Nevuela. Jaye Lyn Martin offered her hand-poured soy candles. Using soy flakes, repurposed items, natural scents and cotton wicks, Martin creates candles that are a healthier and environmentally friendlier alternative to paraffin candles. Soy burns cooler, cleaner and longer than paraffin, which is a petroleum product. Paraffin candles release toxins into the air when burned, while soy candles do not. The melted soy is also beneficial to your skin when rubbed into the hands like lotion. Jaye Lyn will refill candles purchased from her for .75 per ounce. Wire wrapped jewelry by Donna Kelp, porcelain, pewter and terra cotta necklaces by Joyce Zvenia, art by Cinnamon Parks and the faux flower arrangements of Glen Brittain were also available for purchase.

In the evening, the Mountain View Baptist Church was bustling with activity. Warmly decorated for the season, the hall echoed with the voices of more than 200 attendees of the ninth annual Kern River Valley Woman’s Club Holiday Spectacular. Demi Panows, chairman of the event, said that this year’s turnout was slightly lower than in the past “because of the economy.”

Featuring dinner catered by Hodel’s of Bakersfield and door prizes provided by local vendors, the Holiday Spectacular is the main fund raiser for the Woman’s Club. More than 30 festively adorned Christmas trees were on display around the perimeter of the hall. Each tree represented a local business, which donated the decorations and gifts found beneath the tree. Raffle tickets were sold at the entrance, and the trees were awarded to lucky winners in the style of a silent auction. The Kern Valley Sweet Adelines Quartet provided musical entertainment for the evening, featuring song renditions by Mary David. Friendship and holiday cheer made this a successful, memorable event.