About Us

 In November of 1969, the Brookings Home Extension Nite unit put on their first Community Bazaar at the Catholic School facility in Brookings, Oregon. The idea was to get the various bazaars that were held during the holiday season under one roof.  It was also to promote Oregon State University Extension and its many activities, including home extension study groups, the 4-H clubs, farm extension, and much more. The first effort produced 26 different clubs, organizations, churches, and individuals. With the help of other local study groups, there was also a luncheon. Vangie Andreason became chairman of the Bazaar, while Marilyn Shipley chaired the luncheon. 

During the past 50 years, numerous changes have taken place. Success has created growth, and growth has led to expansion. During this experience, the event was held in various locations. The first move was to Kalmiopsis School's multi-purpose room, and then, having doubled capacity to 55 tables, the event was moved to the Brookings Harbor High School gym and adjoining cafeteria. By the time the event grew to 80 tables, it began including the upstairs and hallways to accommodate the vendors.  Another move was needed, this time to Azalea School gym and the new nearby BHHS cafeteria. Now, the Bazaar is able to house 100+ vendors.  Follow the signs to the various vendors and their gifted creations! 

Over the years, the primary use of funds raised from vendor tables has been to provide educational opportunities for youth and women.  4-H camp has always been a focus, in camperships and assistance, as has help for fair facilities, college scholarships for 4-H youth, women’s opportunities, and more.  

Now the time has come to pass the baton.  The local Chapter GE of P.E.O. International has provided over $65,000 in scholarships to local girls and women and was happy to take over the bazaar to use the funds for those projects, starting in 2021.

With a bigger bazaar, an on-site lunch by the organizers is no longer possible. However, local food vendors are encouraged to sign up, and tables are left in place in the cafeteria for seating. As of September 2022, we have 4 food vendors registered for the event already!  

The original elves have retired after the 2020 bazaar. The local Chapter GE of P.E.O. trained for two years during the event to be ready to produce the same quality event customers and vendors expect. P.E.O. has existed for 150 years, providing educational opportunities through scholarships and even supporting Cottey College in the mid-west. Since the local chapter formed, they have provided support of over $65,000 to local women and girls. Look for them at the Bazaar and ask those new elves about their organizations to learn more.