Far East Bazaar offers Asian goods to Misawa shoppers

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  In less than two weeks, the biggest shopping event of the fall season is scheduled to take place Nov. 3 from 10 to 5 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 10 to 4 p.m. in Hangar 949 here.

It's the Far East Bazaar, sponsored by the Misawa Officers' Spouses' Club. The club sponsors two bazaars each year, which are each planned a year in advance - one in the spring and the other in the fall.

The majority of vendors travel from many miles and nine different countries to be a part of this event.

"We will have more than 30 vendors who will bring merchandise from the Asian- Pacific countries," said Cat Germain, MOSC Committee Chairperson. "We also invite more than a dozen local vendors who bring merchandise, which is unique to Japan. Normally you would have to travel to other parts of Japan to purchase many of these items."

Vendors travel from countries such as Korea, Thailand, and India. It takes the skill of a 32-member committee to plan for this large-scale, two-day event.

"The committee members are responsible for planning every facet of the bazaar from setup and takedown to security to volunteers," said Mrs. Germain.

For the committee, people who volunteer are a big piece of the pie.

"We just couldn't pull off the bazaar without them and we need more than 450 volunteers to make it happen," said Mrs. Germain. "This includes back-office volunteers such as cashiers and sorters, volunteers to escort and drive vendors to the hangar, volunteers to help with setup and volunteers to work various shifts to help vendors during the bazaars. When it's all over we need volunteers to help with the takedown."

There is some incentive for people who volunteer.

"All our volunteers qualify for special prize drawings during their shift," said Mrs. Germain. "Anyone who volunteers for multiple shifts will also qualify to win our grand prize drawing."

The event also gives private organizations an opportunity to raise funds for their causes.

"Private organizations will have food booths set up outside the entrance to the hangar," said Janet Aanrud, MOSC president. "They'll sell various food and beverage items, so shoppers can get a quick snack or a full meal. Each private organization keeps the money that is made at their booth."

Although some private organizations raise funds during the bazaar, there are many who depend on the generosity of the MOSC. The MOSC gives to more than 25 different organizations.

"Our MOSC committee has approved numerous requests to give to various organizations this past year," said Mrs. Aanrud. "I am quite proud of the fact that the MOSC has given $80,000 in scholarships to high school seniors, spouses and other dependents, furthering their education whether it's at Misawa Air Base, in the states or by participating in online study programs. And this is all from money raised during the bazaar."

For those shoppers who have yet to attend the bazaar, there is usually something to suit every taste.

"In past bazaars, furniture has always been a big hit," said Mrs. Germain. "There will be Chinese antique furniture, teak and mahogany furniture from Thailand, Korean and Chinese decorative furniture and much more. Some vendors will do lay-a-ways, but that's up to them. There are stained-glass, Tiffany-styled lamps which are much sought after by regular bazaar attendees. Any of a variety of items available at the bazaar will make excellent Christmas presents, so definitely plan on doing all of your Christmas shopping at the bazaar."

To volunteer for the bazaar, e-mail fareastbazaar@yahoo.com and include your name, phone number and home e-mail address (sometimes .mil addresses don't accept yahoo e-mails).