Photos by Marie Mccolm The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Bazaar on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Outcalt Event and Conference Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex in Monte Vista. Santa took photos with children on Friday and Saturday during the Holiday Bazaar hosted by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. Attendees and vendors said having the Holiday Bazaar at the Outcalt Event and Conference Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex was a good move by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. The Grinch was at the annual Holiday Bazaar in Monte Vista

MONTE VISTA — The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Bazaar on Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3.

The Bazaar was held at the Outcalt Event and Conference Center at SLV Ski Hi Complex, with numerous vendors on site. The inside of the building was decked out in Christmas décor, with beautifully adorned tables, laid out with many different wares to purchase, including personalized tumblers, cups, mugs, jewelry, clothing, sweets, homemade breads, cookies, pies, and much more.

Santa Claus was at the event Friday and Saturday taking pictures with children in front of a Merry Christmas background, complete with presents and a fireplace.

Kim Marquez photography, a local business, was set up to take pictures with the children and Santa. The Grinch was seen walking around the tables at the Bazaar and there was live music being played.  

A Christmas giveaway was being offered at the Bazaar with all local donations going to the Conour Animal Shelter.

A large, decorated Christmas tree was just inside the hallway of the Bazaar with wrapped presents underneath.  

Many local businesses had booths at the Bazaar including Jubilation, Monte Vista Eyecare Center, ABC Daycare, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, and many more.

Dustin and Macey Sigaty, two local artists, were at the event with personalized jewelry and photo art for sale.

“The event is going nicely,” Macey Sigaty said. “This is a different venue, and we think that this is not only supporting our local businesses but it's also bringing our community together for the holidays. It’s so great to see so many people here enjoying themselves.” 

Manuela Javalera and Shawn Frieze of Monte Vista Estates were set up at the event selling hot cocoa and cappuccino mixes made by residents, to help support Monte Vista Estates Activities Department and residents.

“We have had a lot of excited people coming through, and some great business and support,” Frieze said. “I think the location where we are at this year has really helped, lots of great parking and a good location.”

Javalera said she was excited to be at the Bazaar and supporting the residents where she worked.

“This definitely helps them and it's great community support,” Javalera said. 

Cathy Salazar, of Monte Vista, was excited about the event.

“This Bazaar is warm and festive,” Salazar said. “My grandkids were jumping up and down to take pictures with Santa. In the past, I don’t remember that option being available at a Bazaar, and I have been to a few of these. I think it's great they are including more things for the kids, while the parents and grandparents shop for Christmas, too. My grandson Miguel played near the Christmas tree that is set up here for what seemed like forever, and he brought a cookie to give to Santa, too. I think Ski Hi is the perfect place for this, it really brings out the best in people and you can see everyone really is into the season this year. Just an all-around great hometown event.”