By Mark Ambrogi
The purpose of the Special Olympics Hamilton County Annual Holiday Bazaar is two-fold.
Along with raising money for the program, SOHC officials want to raise awareness.
“We want the community to get to know Special Olympics,” said Emily Ramquist, SOHC volunteer and public relations coordinator. “Some of our athletes will be there. We have our booth to hand out information. It’s a program we run year-round completely free for our athletes. They don’t spend a dime.”
SOHC is one of the largest Special Olympics organizations in the state, offering more than 20 sports for more than 1,000 families with special needs.
The Holiday Bazaar will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 22 on at the Hamilton Co. 4-H Fairgrounds and Exhibition Center, 2003 E. Pleasant St. Noblesville. Admission is free.
“We have a professional Santa coming this year and someone dressing up as Elsa (from ‘Frozen’),” Ramquist said.
They will pose for pictures for free for the children. There will be other activities for children as well, Ramquist said.
The Holiday Bazaar sells sponsorships ($150) and vendor booths ($75). There will be more than 40 vendors, including jewelry, art work, Tupperware, photography and bakeries.
“Every dollar goes back into the program,” Ramquist said.
The program, staffed by volunteers, is fully funded by donations and grants.
There will be a silent auction, including items from Sky Zone, Endurance House, Chick-Fil-A, Crew Carwash, Fresh Market, Allisonville Nursery and LA Fitness, among others.
Choirs from Noblesville Schools and Hamilton Heights will perform.
Sponsors include Katie’s Creations, Premier Designs with Joanne Fishburn, Arbonne with Jennifer Dotzert, Circle City Chiropractic, Signs by Tomorrow, Community Storage, Storage Depot, Integrated Planning & Wealth Management, LLC, Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine and Hamilton County Magazine.
