Everything from chairs to cheese

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The holiday season got underway with the annual Holiday Bazaar on Oct. 1.

More than 100 local vendors set up shop on base to sell wares ranging from antique furniture and knick-knacks to cupcakes and imported cheeses.

The three-day event was sponsored by the Officers and Civilians Spouses Club and the Enlisted and Civilians Spouses Club.

While only those with government ID cards were able to shop at the bazaar, the money raised will ultimately benefit the wider community.

"The proceeds go to our philanthropic organizations, which are then turned back into the community; we donate to British schools, libraries and booster clubs," said Amy Heckle, bazaar chairperson.

While the proceeds from this year's bazaar are still being tallied, Mrs. Heckle is confident they will match or even exceed last year's total of $53,000.

"We have more vendors this year, so we should do very well," she said.
One of the more popular booths belonged to Theo Iliadis of Old Dutch Cheese and Gifts.
Mr. Iliadis has been bringing his cheeses, wines and Dutch porcelains to the bazaar since 1992. His reason for doing so is simple.

"I like the people," he said. "The committee members are very nice."

Besides the vendor booths inside the hangar, outside were various food stalls and carnival rides for children to enjoy while their parents shopped.

The bazaar attracted more than 1,000 people, including some from neighboring bases.

Tech. Sgt. Robyn Ciardelli of the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron at RAF Mildenhall
missed last year's bazaar due to a deployment, so she welcomed the chance to attend this one.

"It's fantastic," said Sergeant Ciardelli as she and her family enjoyed the bazaar for the first and last time before moving to a new base in the upcoming year. "All the different things being sold here, the rides for the kids, the food; it's been really nice."