Bizarre Bazaar

Saturday 13 December marks one of the main events on the Coral Bay social calendar, Bizarre Bazaar. The open area behind Pickles Deli is transformed into an amalgam of colour, sounds, delicious wafting smells and a mixture of wonderful sights. The Bazaar is administered and orchestrated by the Coral Bay Community Council and many volunteers as a fundraiser for SAVE CORAL BAY and other agendas. 

Local artists share space with folks selling a variety of local foods and treats. Charter businesses sit beside local volunteer groups, whilst in the corner is a yard sale selling all manner of things. There is an activity area for kids and the adults aren't forgotten as there is a wide selection of tasty, local brews. 

Annie's Stall

Annie and I, with the help of Alan and his truck hauled everything out of the apartment and down to the Bazaar. There was activity all around us as folks went to and fro with their loads to set up their stalls. The tropical sun was beating down and the perspiration was pouring off both of us as we set up the tent.

The Bazaar commenced at 11am and we were set to go. Annie had done a great job dressing the stall and soon a throng of people were streaming past. There was a good mix of local folks and tourists and Annie had her hands full keeping up with queries and questions. Beth came along to help out and she was able to give Annie some respite from time to time. 

In the background was the constant sound of music as a wide variety of St John performers plied their sounds. Schoolchildren had their moment to perform on stage and probably received the most appreciative applause of the day. 

In one corner of the Bazaar a portly fellow dressed in red, with a long, white beard was a popular hit with the children. Pity poor Santa in that heavy red suit under a tropical sun!

The crowds ebbed and flowed throughout the day and started to taper off towards closing time at 4pm. Folks from various food stalls started to wander around selling at reduced prices or giving away delicious morsels. 

What we had built earlier in the day we started to dismantle later in the day, albeit many of the items we laid out earlier had found their way to a new home. The front of Pickles resembled an exodus from a disaster as cars fought for space, through traffic tried to pass and folks struggled to their cars under heavy loads. The congestion wasn't helped at all when a local goat herd decided it was time to saunter down the middle of the road causing more congestion and consternation.

Once again with the help of Alan's truck we loaded up quickly and then just as quickly unloaded everything again. Hopefully for the next to last time.

 Annie declared the day a huge success, not only in the sales department but also in the catching up with friends. The day wouldn't have been the success it was if it wasn't for the help of Alan and Beth and the good wishes and hugs from her friends.