CENTER – Approximately 22 people were at the first-ever Center Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7. The event was at 295 S. Worth St., commonly known as the old Pharmacy Building. 

The Craft and Bake Sale had many fun festivities, and many different vendors. Center resident Tiffany Martinez was selling at the sale. She had tasty looking jams on her table along with beaded colorful window tarantulas, hanging on strings.

“We have had a pretty good turnout today, despite hearing that there were two other bazaars today. We are selling jams, and we also made some beaded tarantulas. It’s nice to be here today, and we have seen a good crowd in here today too,” she said.

There were approximately eight tables inside the event with vendors. 

One of the younger vendors at the event was Zaria Villagomez. She is 8 years old and was selling Hot Cocoa for a Cause.

“I am selling all of this because I want to buy presents for families who are in need this year,” she said. “There are families that don’t have clothes, and they don’t have toys. Children want toys for Christmas. I want them to have something for Christmas. I want to help them out. I have been doing this since I was 5 years old. I also buy people hygiene, and crafts. I want to thank everyone who has bought from me and everyone that has donated.” 

Villagomez said that everything she was selling was made by her. 

Her mom, Genna Thompson, spoke about how proud she was that her daughter was at the bazaar and trying to help others.

“She started doing this when she was just 5 years old. She has always wanted to help others. She raises the money herself and goes shopping for gifts for other families and kids. She wraps the gifts herself and even makes goodie bags with hygiene for others. We have adopted a couple of families to help through Adams State this year. Zaria has a big heart, and I am so proud of her,” Thompson said.

Center Town Manager Cole Webb attended the event and said, “I think this went really well, especially with multiple craft and other bazaars going on through ought the Valley today. We have probably had about 200 people since 1 o’clock. I expect more people to come after about 4 p.m. today too.

“All of the vendors I believe are from the town of Center. This gives our residents the chance to display and sell some of their artwork and crafts, and others the chance to come and see it, and purchase the artwork and crafts too. We brought a lot of people together today. It was great.”