The spirit of the season

Just when you thought fall would stretch on endlessly, November hits.This month typically kicks off a flurry of holiday bazaars for those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts. During the next month, several bazaars are coming to churches, schools and civic centers.

Local shoppers will have the chance to help local non-profit groups, support the local economy, buy handcrafted items and have fun. For the environmentally conscious, there is a bazaar featuring recycled and reusable items.

Below is the list of several bazaars compiled by the Post-Record.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Early Start Holiday Bazaar

Vancouver Women’s Connection is hosting an event that will include a raffle, baked goods and vendors.

It will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Royal Oaks Country Club, 8917 N.E. Fourth Plain Road, Vancouver.

Friday to Saturday, Nov. 8 to 9

Washougal United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar

The Washougal United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with tables of handcrafted items, jewelry, wall hangings, stocking stuffers, handmade quilts, one-of-a-kind snowmen and Santa, gifts, baked goods and more.

Tickets for a raffle of a queen-sized quilt can be purchased for $1 each.

Ten percent all sales will benefit the Inter-Faith Treasure House in Washougal.

A hamburger soup lunch will be served both days and takeout is available. The church is located at 4020 “M” St.

Christmas at the Lodge

The Vancouver Emblem Club 473 Elk Lodge will host this event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

It will include jewelry, garden art, pottery, knitted/crocheted items and much more.

The lodge is located at 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd. Call Pat Beck at 892-0559 for more information.

Friday to Sunday, Nov. 15 to 17

Camas Church of the Nazarene Celebrate Christmas Bazaar

Holiday decorations, handmade crafts and baked goods will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the church, 2204 N.E. Birch St. There will be a pancake breakfast from 9 to 10 a.m. and a soup and salad lunch from 11:30 to 1 p.m. All proceeds go to Celebrate Recovery.

Holiday Marketplace Bazaar

The ninth annual Holiday Marketplace Bazaar will take place at the Washougal High School commons area, 1201 39th St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Shoppers can browse arts, crafts and other homemade gifts from more than 100 vendors. The event also features food concessions and carolers from the WHS X-Tet choir. For more information, call 954-3103.

Friday to Sunday, Nov. 22 to 24

Clark County Holiday Gift Fair

The third annual Holiday Gift Fair on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will feature dozens of local arts, crafts and retailers at the Clark County Event Center, 17402 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Photos with Santa will be available daily, and Mrs. Claus will have her arts and crafts workshop ready.

Bazaar hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Bethel Community Church Christmas Bazaar

This bazaar will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the church, 1438 “B” St., Washougal. Items include handmade quilts, aprons and baby blankets.

All proceeds benefit church and worldwide missionaries.

Saturday, Nov. 30

St. Matthew Lutheran Church Annual Christmas Bazaar

The bazaar will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 and include baked goods, crafts, raffles and more. Lunch items will be available for purchase.

Girl Scout Troop 40605 will be there to collect coats for the homeless and local shelters. St. Matthew is located at 716 Washougal River Road.

Friday to Sunday, Dec. 6 to 8

Holly Days Arts and Crafts Bazaar

The Holly Days Arts and Crafts Bazaar gives local artisans and crafters a chance to showcase their work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Middle School, 1612 N.E. Garfield St., Camas.

A pancake breakfast and photos with Santa will be offered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Camas High School grad night party.

For more information, call 931-0667 or 608-3429.

Holiday Open House and Artisan Market

The Clark County Historical Museum is hosting its annual Holiday Open House and Artisan Market Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music, artisan displays, holiday shopping and children’s activities. The museum is located at 1511 Main St., Vancouver.

Call 993-5679 for more information.

Gorge Arts and Crafts Bazaar

The Skamania County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas in the Gorge Arts and Crafts Bazaar will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Skamania County Fairgrounds exhibit hall in Stevenson from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The bazaar will feature handmade jewelry, quilts, hats and scarves, homemade soaps lotions, bath salts, handmade dolls, hand-carved wood items, baskets, holiday decorations, pottery, tapestries, baby blankets, pet gifts and more. For more information, call the Skamania Chamber of Commerce at 800-989-9178.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Check ‘Em Off Green

The third-annual Check ‘Em Off Green bazaar will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

The event will feature local artists and vendors selling hand-crafted items, recycled and reused materials, experiences, and local goods and services. There will be a holiday decoration swap, and food and drink is available for purchase.

Sponsors are Vancouver Green Drinks and the Marshall Community Center.