TORRINGTON – For more than 40 years, the Torrington Lions Club’s annual Art and Craft Bazaar has not only offered residents a day of unique and varied shopping, but a way to support the community all year long.
“(The Lions) used to have the event at the gym at Eastern Wyoming College, but they outgrew it,” Shari Zwiebel, Lions events coordinator, said. “I’ve heard numerous stories from several older Lions – they had to haul in tables from the various churches to set up for the vendors because there were not enough at the college.”
Eventually, the bazaar moved to its current location at the Goshen County Fairgrounds’ Rendezvous Center.
“This year, we will have 50 to 60 booths,” Zwiebel said. “Everything from Christmas lawn ornaments to baked goods. We have a gentleman coming who makes honey butter, garlic honey, hot and spicy honey … vendors are coming from three different states, and we have a lot of new vendors this year. It’s a good opportunity to come out and find Christmas
presents.”
The Lions will host vendor-sponsored prize drawings approximately every half hour for the duration of the event, as well as offer concessions, including homemade chili, hot dogs and nachos.
There is a $1 admission fee, which the club uses to help the community.
“It’s basically a donation to the Lions Club – we use that money for services we provide to the residents of Goshen County,”
Zwiebel said.
This year’s bazaar is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25.
“I just think the Lions Club is an exceptional organization,” Zwiebel said. “A lot of new people come every year because I think we do have a lot of vendors that others might not. If (an event is) 40-plus years old, you know it’s a tradition.”
If you go:
What: Lions Club Art and Craft Bazaar
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, November 25
Where: Rendezvous Center, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Torrington
Admission: $1
