Fall Bazaar returns to raise money for helpline

SUPERIOR – The Mineral County Helpline held their annual Fall Bazaar Saturday, at the Superior Fairgrounds 4H building. The event was held to raise money to support the Helpline so they can continue to help the Mineral County community.

According to Sally Miller, director of the Helpline, the bazaar draws all sorts of people looking to sell their wares. This year there was a variety of items, such as books from the Superior Museum, quilts, old records, VHS tapes and items from a consignment store.

People also brought homemade items, like baked goods, hand-painted ceramics, knitting or woodwork; one man brought in painted pine carvings that he had made with a chainsaw.

“We had one couple that came and brought homemade toys that they had made,” said Miller.

The bazaar hosted a silent auction and door prizes, which were donated by the various vendors. A quilt, provided by the Friends of the Library, was being raffled off. A winner for the raffle will be drawn on December 21 at the library’s Christmas party.

A snack bar was set up in the back of the building, to allow shoppers a snack or drink as they looked around. The items were also provided by the vendors and included cookies, cupcakes, coffee, cider and hot cocoa.

While bad weather can hinder traffic, Miller said they usually get a good turnout. With Saturday being a warm, clear day, there appeared to be a fairly steady stream of traffic that never overcrowded the small building. Other events can also provide competition to traffic, but the all-day event had the benefit that people could stop by at any time during their day.

Miller admitted the 4H building was small, but added that, while it is not ideal, it is the best they can get.

“We haven’t found a better place,” said Miller. “We’ve had it [in the 4H building] every time.”

The Helpline was started in 1991 and helps Mineral County residents deal with domestic abuse and violence, helping them get out of abusive relationships. The Fall Bazaar has been an annual event for the last six or seven years after a previous director came up with the idea as a fundraiser. According to Miller, a lot of the money raised goes towards bus fare to get people out of Mineral County and away from abusers.

“A lot of times, people need out, they need to go somewhere else,” said Miller. “We get them to a better, safer place.”

According to Miller, the county provides the Helpline with a space to operate from and furnishes most of their utility costs.

“[Mineral County] is very good to us, and in return we’re very good to Mineral County,” said Miller.

The Helpline is based in Superior in the same building as the Mineral County museum and the Superior library. The Helpline can be reached by calling 822-4262.