Missi Olson has attended the Country Christmas Bazaar since 1989, when she started dating her then-boyfriend. They were both in high school. Years later she would marry him and become part of the Olson family, the incredible people behind the cherished Country Christmas Bazaar in Elma, Washington. The 2024 Country Christmas Bazaar continues to build on Karen Olson’s – Missi’s late mother-in-law – legacy with even more vendors, more food and more magic. The event is now run by Missi Olson and Carrie Vessey. Please join the family November 23-24, 2024, at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds.
“I’ve been going for a very, very long time, and I get just so excited to see how it evolves each year,” shares Missi, Country Christmas Bazaar event coordinator. “These artists change their styles, change their trends – they just keep it updated and fresh each year. I look forward to seeing what they have come up with.”
Shop Local, Give Local and Finish Your List all at the Country Christmas Bazaar
The best thing about the Country Christmas Bazaar is that everything is handmade by local artists, crafters, makers, bakers and more. “We try to support local as much as possible,” Missi shares. And they succeed, starting with their admission. “We just ask for a cash donation or nonperishable food item that goes to the Elma High School Food Bowl for local food banks,” she adds. And parking is free, so you can spend even more at the local vendors.
All the vendors are from the Pacific Northwest. Missi is in charge of selecting vendors each year and is always on the lookout for something new, unique or that she knows is popular, like the resin tumblers currently.
And of course, old favorites come back too. Like Fox Island Trading Company owned by Kim and Andre Hansen. They have a selection of homeopathic soap, shampoos, conditioners and other self-care items that make great gifts. Everything is handmade by Andre, who comes up with new things every year. “They are always very, very popular,” shares Missi. “My favorite of theirs is their shampoo and conditioner bars, so you have no messy leaks and are great for going on a trip.” Those bars are also great stocking stuffers!
The Pickety Place is another popular vendor that comes back each year. Owned by Mona McCallum, her booth has a wide variety of fun handmade holiday decoration items, from wood signs to decorated red trucks. “Everything is very professionally done by her,” says Missi.
Another favorite that creates a line, often an hour long, is Nancy Lachel’s baked goods. “She makes the most amazing pastries,” shares Missi, “and she sells out every year.” Check out her cinnamon rolls, pumpkin rolls, pies, mini pies, scones and more.
“I know many, many people that come literally just to take a big chunk out of their Christmas shopping,” Missi says. “It’s always fun to see what my friends got and who they’re giving it to.”
Friendly staff – Missi’s and Carrie’s family and friends – sport red shirts with the Bazaar’s logo and the word “staff” on the back, making it easy to find help for vendors and shoppers.
Country Christmas Bazaars Adds More Vendors for 2024
In 2018, when Missi took over the organizing of the vendors at the Country Christmas Bazaar from sister-in-law Carrie Vessey, after her mother-in-law’s passing, she added another room to allow for more vendors. Noticing that her vendor waitlist had an extensive number of names on it, names on it, she added another room for 2024, bringing the number of vendors to more than 270 for this year!
In addition to more item vendors, there will be more food choices this year – all locally owned. There will be an espresso cart that also sells food including homemade soup, pizza truck, the Grays Harbor Fairground concession with burgers, hot dogs, fries, etc., handmade mini donuts and the Elma High School booth that sells taco salad, nachos, baked potatoes, etc. to fundraise for the senior class Safe and Sober party. “It’s great because most of the food items for that are donated by either the parents or local businesses,” shares Missi. “It’s nice to be able to support that.”
Traveling to the Country Christmas Bazaar
The annual Country Christmas Bazaar is happening November 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With almost 300 vendors, you are going to want at least a full day, maybe two, to shop it all!
Coming from out of town, you can stay at the Stay Beyond Inn & Suites in Elma or the nearby Hubble House Inn in Montesano. Be within walking distance by staying at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds! They have camping and RV sites available.
“It’s a meaningful event for us, because we’re carrying on this tradition for our mom,” Missi shares candidly. “We each have children and we’re hoping they will see how much this brings our family together and will eventually continue it on for themselves.”
The Olsons and Vesseys invite you to come be a part of their family’s tradition. Make your own memories with your own family, shop local, give local and have fun. See you at the Bazaar!
Country Christmas Bazaar
November 23: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
November 24: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds
32 Elma McCleary Road, Elma
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